New Berth 3 gantry design could fast-track new home for Spirits

The arrival of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries could be fast-tracked with a fresh design for a vital berthing upgrade.

Spirit of Tasmania IV arriving at port in Leith Scotland after it's journey from Finland. Picture: STV

A fresh design for a vital piece of the Berth 3 upgrades at Devonport could fast-track the completion of the Spirit of Tasmania’s new home, the state government has revealed.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said ferry operator TT-Line had identified potential new approaches to the construction of the berth’s gantry, which could bring delivery of the $285m infrastructure project forward from February, 2027.

The development came as federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton flew into the state’s north-west on Friday to announce a Coalition government would contribute $62 million to enhance the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme.

Minister Abetz said the berth project, which will accommodate the replacement Spirit vessels that were already supposed to have arrived in Tasmania, might now be completed sooner than anticipated.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz. Picture: Genevieve Holding.

“The government has always said that it would pursue every opportunity to bring forward the timeline for delivery of the new Berth 3, anticipated for completion by February 2027, with the potential to accelerate works for completion as soon as possible,” Mr Abetz said.

“The most significant time crucial element of Berth 3 is the design and construction of the main gantry structure, including its foundations.

“Following ongoing geotechnical investigations on site and engagement with a range of technical experts, TT-Line has identified a potential alternative design for the gantry and methodology for the foundations that maximise the opportunity to deliver the project as quickly as possible.”

The government said the new approach had been considered at TT-Line board meeting on 17 March, and was later endorsed by a steering committee that includes infrastructure experts Ben Moloney and Peter Gemell.

Mr Abetz said TT-Line would now liaise with contractors to implement a revised work plan at the site.

The newly built Spirit of Tasmania IV passenger ferry arrives at Port of Leith. Picture: Iain Masterton/Alamy Live News

But Labor Infrastructure spokesperson, Anita Dow, criticised the government for still finalising designs on a project that she said should have been completed a year ago.

Ms Dow said Minister Abetz’s attempt to pass off his update as progress only highlights how little work had been completed at the Berth 3 site.

“Tasmanians are still in the dark about when the project will be completed, and clearly Minister Abetz is too,” Ms Dow said.

Coalition’s equalisation scheme pledge

Meanwhile in Spreyton, Mr Dutton, said the Coalition was determined that both the Bass Strait freight and passenger vehicle equalisation schemes were delivering as intended for Tasmanian travellers, farmers, and industry.

“Tasmanian producers and businesses are responsible for some of the finest foods and products,” the Opposition Leader said.

“The ability to get these products to markets around Australia and the world is critical to sustaining and growing jobs in Tasmania, and underpinning investment in key industries.

“The Coalition has a strong track record of ensuring Tasmanian businesses and farmers are not disadvantaged in selling their goods interstate, or exporting to the world – and we plan to continue that.”

Coalition Transport spokesperson, Senator Bridget McKenzie, it was vital that a scheme established to ensure a level playing field between Tasmanian and the mainland reflected the contemporary commercial environment.

“The objective of the scheme is to ensure that freight crossing the Bass Strait would effectively be the same as freight traversing any other highway in the country,” Sen McKenzie said.

“Over recent years it hasn’t been working for Tasmanian businesses and they are rightly frustrated.

“That’s why a Coalition government will urgently address the issue through an independent review and fix this inequity once and for all.”