Delay of new Spirit of Tasmania ships halts Geelong tourist influx

The delay of two new Spirit of Tasmania ships means the region will have to wait two years for an increase in Bass Strait travellers.

The new Spirit of Tasmania IV in Finland. Picture: Rauma Marine Constructions

Two brand new Spirit of Tasmania ships are expected to bring a major tourism boost to the Geelong area, but businesses will have to wait at least another two years to cash in.

This is despite GeelongPort being “ready” for their introduction to the Bass Strait, a spokesperson from Spirit of Tasmania said.

Construction on Devonport dock in Tasmania, which is too small for the latest ferries, means they will be stuck on the other side of the world until late 2026.

Spirit of Tasmania IV is currently docked at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, while the Spirit V is still under construction in Finland.

With a capacity of up to 1800 passengers each, they can fit a combined 800 people more than the current ships.

Executive director of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine Tracy Carter said that the “increased capacity” carried by the ferries would translate financially.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine executive director Tracy Carter.

“The new ships … will grow the opportunity for the tourism sector in Geelong and the Bellarine, with a bigger market moving through the region and potentially extending their stay before or after sailing,” she said.

Ms Carter said businesses were keenly awaiting the influx of travellers.

“When the new ships arrive, the Geelong region tourism industry will be ready to serve the increased number of passengers,” she said.

The vessels are 17m longer, almost 4m taller and 6m wider than their predecessors.

Spirit of Tasmanian IV during its first sea trial. Picture: Spirit of Tasmania

A GeelongPort spokesperson said the impact of the Spirit of Tasmania’s relocation to Geelong was considerable.

“The arrival of Spirit of Tasmania at GeelongPort has strengthened regional Victoria’s link to Tasmania … generating more than 750 direct and indirect jobs in the region in the first year,” the spokesperson said.

In the 12 months from the Spirit’s move from Melbourne to Geelong in October 2022, 146,000 visitors from the boat spent $21m in the Geelong area.

A 30-year lease agreement with TT-Line, the Spirit of Tasmania operators, means GeelongPort will host the Spirit of Tasmania into at least the 2050s.

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj. Picture: Alan Barber

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said he eagerly anticipated the new ships.

“We’re always excited to welcome more people to Geelong … and any opportunities to increase visitation and economic opportunity are appreciated,” he said.

Originally published as Delay of new Spirit of Tasmania ships halts Geelong tourist influx