Newly appointed Labor Leader, Josh Willie, tempered the celebration surrounding the Spirit of Tasmania IV’s arrival by voicing serious financial concerns.
He pointed to a “temporary” increase in TT-Line’s borrowing limit, questioning whether this was a prelude to a government bailout that should be made public in the upcoming budget. Willie also highlighted the continued lack of transparency from the government regarding the total cost of storing the vessel in Scotland for more than two months.
Media release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, 23 August 2025
Spirits high for ship’s arrival but unresolved questions remain
Seeing Spirit of Tasmania IV sail up the Derwent today should be, and is, a proud day for our state.
Spirit IV belongs in Tasmania. It also belongs to Tasmanians, and we will eventually see a boost to our economy, more jobs and more opportunities for growth.
After spending so long on the other side of the world, it will come as a relief to many that the ship is now safe and sound in Tasmanian waters, where it can have the fit out finished so it’s ready for service later next year.
Despite that relief, there are still unanswered questions from the wash-up of the Ferries Fiasco.
The former Treasurer revealed that TT-Line’s borrowing limit has been increased “temporarily”.
This announcement didn’t shed any light on whether or not a bailout will be required in the upcoming budget, which the new Treasurer should be upfront about if he is genuine in being transparent and collaborating with the parliament.
And Tasmanians still don’t know the total cost of storing Spirit IV in Scotland, despite it leaving Leith more than two months ago.
While today is a day for Tasmanians to be proud of, Labor will continue to hold the Government to account until both Spirits are in service between Devonport and Geelong, boosting our economy, like they are supposed to be.
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier; Kerry Vincent, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, 23 August 2025
Spirit of Tasmania IV welcomed into Hobart
Spirit of Tasmania IV has been officially welcomed into the Port of Hobart.
The ship made a brief stopover near the Devonport Bluff on Friday, providing North West coasters a first look at the ship before it arrived in Hobart today for a final fit-out and crew safety training exercises over the next eight weeks.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said acquiring the new Spirits was an inter-generational investment.
“Spirit IV’s arrival into Tasmanian waters for the first time marks a significant milestone in this major project,” Rockliff said.
“When she commences operating in October next year, it will mark the start of a new era in sea passenger and freight traffic in and out of the State.
“Greater capacity for passengers and freight will ensure both industries can continue to grow sustainably into the future.
“One in six Tasmanians are employed in the tourism and hospitality industry, with the new ships playing an important role in future-proofing capacity.”
Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent said the vessels would feature significant local content.
“I’m proud of the Tasmanian companies who have provided goods and services for the new ships,” Vincent said.
“Spirit of Tasmania worked closely with Tasmanian companies to provide opportunities for them to deliver these goods and services – in some cases opening up new markets for these Tasmanian products.”
Mr Vincent said the final fit-out in Hobart includes the installation of Tasmanian-made mattresses for passenger cabins, wooden tabletops, signage and artwork.
Spirit of Tasmania CEO Chris Carbone said the company was excited about Spirit of Tasmania IV’s arrival into Hobart.
“The ships have been designed to deliver an exceptional sailing experience with increased comfort – there will be more cabins, more recliners – including new business class recliners – and an upgraded on-board experience with expanded catering outlets, dining and passenger lounges,” Carbone said.
“Further, the vessels were specifically designed and built with Bass Strait conditions in mind – an enhanced hull design and large stabiliser fins will ensure optimal passenger comfort while travelling the 242-kilometre voyage on Bass Strait between Devonport and Geelong.”
The interiors of Spirit of Tasmania IV and V will provide visitors to the State with a taste of what to expect when they arrive.
Carbone said a walk around the ship was like a tour of the state.
“The Maatsuyker Bar reflects southern Tasmania’s link to Antarctic exploration while the Huon Lounge reflects Tasmanian vineyards with a large photomural of grape vines in sunshine,” he said.
The Spirit of Tasmania ships have five restaurants, a café area and two cinemas, and for the first time, pet cabins. They are the first new builds ever purchased by TT-Line and will have a lifespan of more than 25 years.
Spirit of Tasmania IV (and V) dimensions compared to current vessels:
Length: 212 metres (195 metres)
Beam: 31 metres (25 metres)
Height: 50 metres (46 metres)
Speed: 26 knots (48 km/h) (similar to current ships)
Lane metres: 4,098 metres (2,565 lane metres)
Passenger beds: 1138 in 301 cabins (750 in 222 cabins)
New executive recliners: 47 plus 2 allocated spaces for wheelchairs
Standard recliners: 118 plus 4 allocated spaces for wheelchairs (121)
Spirit V update
Spirit of Tasmania V will remain at RMC [Rauma Marine Constructions, Finland] until November, when it will need to depart before sea ice builds up.
With TT-Line crews busy on the existing ships during our peak tourism season and the Hobart berth being required for the cruise season, Spirit of Tasmania V will berth in Europe before sailing to Tasmania in the first half of 2026 for final fit-out.
This is the most cost-effective option, due to smaller crew requirements in Europe than in Hobart.
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