Media release – Tasmanian Government, 31 January 2025
Regular Spirit replacement update
Spirit IV
The Tasmanian Government has received advice from TT-Line in relation to leasing opportunities for Spirit IV.
TT-Line has received an offer from a party and is considering a number of other proposals from interested parties.
TT-Line have now entered live commercial negotiations and will move to finalise terms and conditions prior to a decision being made.
TT-Line therefore require further time to complete these negotiations by the end of February.
The Government will then inform Tasmanians of the result.
The ship will remain in Leith while these negotiations are underway.
There are no changes to berthing or crewing costs. Crewing costs in Tasmania would be significantly higher due to differing domestic requirements, resulting in increased onboard crew numbers.
Ancillary services are accrued on a ‘do and charge’ basis and would be charged regardless of the location of the vessel. To date, total ancillary costs for December are approximately $250,106 and include one-off costs for entry of Spirit IV into Leith such as pilotage.
Estimated monthly spend for ancilliary costs subsequent to this is approximately $30,000.
For information or updates regarding the Berth 3, the new vessels or the comprehensive tourism and hospitality package, visit https://www.infrastructure.tas.gov.au/policy_and_advice/spirit_of_tasmania.
Media release – Luke Edmunds MLC, Shadow Minister for Sport, Shadow Minister for Finance, 2 January 2025
Leasing update raises more questions than answers
After announcing that his Scottish Spirit charade will continue for another month, Jeremy Rockliff needs to provide a real update to Tasmanians, with real answers.
Who did the Government receive an offer to lease Spirit IV from? Where will the Ships operate from? And for how long? The Tasmanian taxpayers have paid a billion dollars for these ships, and they deserve to know who gets to enjoy them while they’re brand new.
How many hours will Spirit IV have on its clock when Tasmania finally receives a second-hand ferry?
The cost of hiding Spirit IV in Scotland has already soared to more than $1.2 million, how much money will leasing even be able to recoup?
If the Premier is going to give our ships to somebody else, then he should be up front about the warranty arrangements. Have they conducted a risk assessment?
And perhaps the most important question, who will ultimately make the final decision on whether to lease the ships? Jeremy Rockliff? Or TT-Line?
Getting any information about this project from the Liberal government has been like drawing blood from a stone. It’s about time the Government showed some transparency and respected Tasmanians.
Labor has been clear that the best thing to do would be to bring the Spirits home to Tasmania where they belong, so they will be safe, we can complete the local fit out and get them ready for service as soon as possible.
