The Spirit of Tasmania IV has left Hobart en route to Geelong, but Labor Leader Josh Willie says critical questions about the vessel’s future and associated costs remain unanswered.
The new vessel departed Tasmania while controversy continues to swirl around required modifications, berth arrangements and financial implications for the state.
Willie has raised concerns about the cost of docking the vessel in Geelong, where it will now need 12 crew for another year before entering service.
“Tasmanians still don’t know the cost of docking Spirit IV in Geelong, now it can’t be laid up like originally planned and needs 12 crew for another year before it enters service,” Willie said.
“The extent and cost of required hull upgrades remain a secret, as do questions about where the works will take place and when TT-Line and the Liberal Green Government knew the works were necessary.”
In response, TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone confirmed the ship is due to arrive at GeelongPort on Sunday for gantry testing and training, but declined to reveal the berth costs.
“The berth price negotiated between GeelongPort and Spirit of Tasmania is commercial in confidence,” Carbone said.
He acknowledged that TT-Line had identified a need for “enhanced hull specifications” to match Devonport’s wharf infrastructure and prepare for extreme weather or power failure scenarios.
“Importantly, the wharf modifications will be completed within the current budget and will have no impact on the commencement of service date,” Carbone said, confirming the vessel is still scheduled to begin operations in October 2026.
Willie has also questioned the delivery of local content commitments for the project and raised concerns about TT-Line’s financial position.
“All these unanswered questions only add to growing uncertainty about TT-Line’s finances and whether or not a bailout will need to be included in next month’s budget,” he said.
