The second of Tasmania’s two new Bass Strait ferries has arrived in Geelong, completing a seven-week voyage from Scotland.
Spirit of Tasmania V sailed into its Victorian home port on May 2 after travelling from Leith via Gibraltar, Cape Verde, Cape Town, Mauritius and Fremantle.
The 212-metre, 48,000-tonne ship spent several days in Fremantle clearing import, customs and immigration requirements, changing crew, refuelling and restocking.
It will remain at anchor in Geelong before undergoing gantry testing at the port and later moving to Station Pier in Port Melbourne.
TT-Line chief executive Chris Carbone said the vessel would remain in Melbourne for the coming weeks.
“Spirit of Tasmania V will stay at the company’s former home at Station Pier until a berth becomes available in Hobart for the final fit-out of local content,” Carbone said.
“It will be the first time since 2022 that one of our iconic red and white ships have been sighted at Station Pier.”
The service operated there for nearly 40 years before shifting to Geelong.
The ferry is expected to berth at the Port of Hobart between June 8-30 for the final local fit-out before becoming an attraction at Dark Mofo.
Carbone previously said the festival would use vehicle decks three and five as part of the Dark Park precinct to showcase a variety of art installations.
Spirit of Tasmania IV, which arrived in Australia about eight months ago, is currently moored at Nelson Pier in Williamstown.
Ports Victoria chief executive Craig Walker welcomed the new arrival.
“Ports Victoria is committed to ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vessels across our waters,” he said.
“We are pleased to support the new Spirit V as she prepares for her passenger services launch later this year.”
Both ferries are scheduled to begin carrying passengers across Bass Strait from October 31, 2026.
Tickets are already on sale for voyages through to December 12, 2026, although not all cabin types are yet available to book.
