The first of two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries has successfully navigated the English Channel and is now cruising off France’s western coast.
The ferry is currently making its way through a 14,857-nautical-mile journey to Hobart.
The 212-metre Spirit of Tasmania IV departed Edinburgh’s Port of Leith in Scotland on Monday for its six-week voyage to Australia.
The 48,000-gross-tonne vessel now faces the next leg of its route, which will take it to Gibraltar before heading to the Cape Verde Islands off Africa.
From there, the ship will stop in Cape Town, South Africa, then continue to Port Louis in Mauritius before its final leg to Fremantle in Western Australia.
TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone said the vessel would undergo mandatory checks in Fremantle, including a four-day stopover.
This will involve customs and immigration formalities, crew changes and restocking supplies.
“We expect the vessel will be alongside in Hobart in late-August for the final fit out,” Carbone said.
In Tasmania, construction is continuing on the new terminal and berth at Devonport, with workers currently installing 27 marine piles for the wharf and loading gantry.
The ferry is expected to enter service between Tasmania and the mainland in late 2026 or early 2027.
