New Spirit of Tasmania ferry departs for multi-day sea trial

A new Spirit of Tasmania ferry is on the move after technical issues kept it at its Scotland dock. Where it’s heading.

The Spirit of Tasmania IV ferry docked at Leith in Edinburgh. The newly-constructed Australian ferry will be moved from Edinburgh to the other side of the world after leasing negotiations broke down. The ship has been docked in Leith due to issues with existing infrastructure in the Tasmanian city of Devonport. Picture date: Thursday April 3, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A new Spirit of Tasmania ferry in on the move, departing for a sea trial after technical issues with the liquefied natural gas system were rectified.

A spokesperson for Spirit of Tasmania operator TT-Line confirmed the vessel had departed Scotland.

“Spirit of Tasmania IV has departed for a multi-day sea trial to ensure the LNG system is performing to specification,” they said.

“Upon successful completion of the sea trial the vessel will return to Leith ahead of its planned voyage to Tasmania.”

The Spirit of Tasmania IV has departed for a multi-day sea trial. Picture: screenshot, VesselFinder

A spokesperson said they were working closely on the ground with Finish shipbuilder RMC to fix a technical issue with two of the new ferries late last month.

They announced that the issue on the Spirit V was rectified on June 5, and the same modification successfully applied to the vessel would be applied to the Spirit IV.

It was then first tested in a port trial.

The Spirit of Tasmania docked at the Port of Leith In Edinburgh on 1st May, 2025. Picture: Sophie Elsworth

Spirit IV has been berthed at Leith since November last year and was initially expected to depart for Australia “on or around” May 26, according to the state government.

No finalised timeline for the ferry’s arrival in Australia has been announced.

Its voyage is expected to take about 36 days, with the final fit-out set to be completed in Hobart.

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Originally published as New Spirit of Tasmania ferry departs for multi-day sea trial