Spirit of Tasmania IV has been moved from its Geelong anchorage to a berth at Nelson Pier in Williamstown, Victoria.
The repositioning is part of ongoing efforts to complete hull strengthening work on the new ferry, which has faced delays since its arrival in Australian waters.
TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone said the move would deliver significant cost savings for the company while providing better conditions for the required modifications.
“When the ship is berthed in Williamstown, Victoria, it will utilise less fuel than at anchor,” he said.
“Nelson Pier is a sheltered and secure location for the work needed and will provide good access for crew and contractors.”
The vessel will remain in Williamstown until the specialised gantry at Devonport’s terminal is completed, allowing the ship to travel to Tasmania for final testing.
Construction of the $493 million Spirit of Tasmania terminal project at Devonport has reached a major milestone with the installation of the first sections of a 700-tonne purpose-built gantry.
The remaining five sections are expected to be assembled by mid-year, ahead of the October deadline for the new Spirits to enter the Bass Strait service.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the project would deliver a 40% uplift in both passenger and freight capacity.
“This is just another example of the new era of opportunity that we have in Tasmania when it comes to key infrastructure projects,” he said on the weekend.
BridgePro chief operating officer Jack Van Eck said his team of 25 to 30 workers had been on site since November 2024 building the concrete ramp.
When finished, the gantry will tower 32 metres above sea level and span 38 metres wide, serving as the main vehicle loading ramp for both new Spirit of Tasmania ferries.
Carbone said once the gantry work was completed in Devonport, Spirit of Tasmania IV would travel to the state for testing.
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are expected to replace the current Spirit of Tasmania I and II, which have operated the Bass Strait route for more than two decades.
