Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson and TT-Line’s Bernard Dwyer talk ship size for new Spirit of Tasmania vessels

A new video has shown how superior the two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels will be compared to the existing ships. SEE THE FOOTAGE

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson has promised plans to deliver two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels on time and before the end of next year were full steam ahead, saying “we really need them”.

A new video comparing the two new vessels to the existing ships has shown how beneficial the ships will be in boosting the state’s tourism offering – allowing for 400 extra passengers per vessel, an additional 4km of lane space for freight and passenger vehicles and 301 extra cabins.

The ships, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, are under construction by Rauma Marine Constructions at its shipyards in Rauma, Finland.

The first vessel is expected to be up and running across the Bass Strait by early July 2024 at the latest, with the second vessel’s delivery expected toward the end of the year.

“We are so excited about the new vessels and we really need them. Our ships are running at capacity. They’ve had a very busy summer season,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The company to its credit has responded with a significant increase in day sailing, which has stretched staffing resources.”

An image supplied by TT-Line shows the size comparison between the existing vessels and the two new Spirit of Tasmania ships. Picture: Supplied.

An image supplied by TT-Line shows the size comparison between the existing vessels and the two new Spirit of Tasmania ships. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Ferguson said the additional 4km of lane space was highly anticipated, and would mitigate delays in transporting campervans, trucks and other freight vehicles.

Bigger, better. Picture: Supplied.

TT-Line CEO Bernard Dwyer said the vessels were 40 per cent larger than the existing boats, which will deliver a predicted economic boost of $200m for the state.

Mr Dwyer said the two existing vessels will be sold once both new ships were in operation, with “a number of buyers already interested,” he said.

Tourism demand for The Spirit of Tasmania is high – but local caravan and motorhome owners aren’t happy with booking delays. Picture: Supplied.

When asked about concerns around delays for transporting campervans, Mr Dwyer admitted there were some “issues” getting the vehicles in and out of the state.

Frustrated Swansea resident Len Evans contacted the Mercury, saying he was told by the oceanliner that he would have to wait until August to get his 6.1m motorhome aboard.

He said as a permanent resident of Tasmania, he found the delay “inconceivable”.

Mr Evans said he was told by TT-Line that travelling to the mainland with his motorhome was delayed due to a “higher than expected influx of mainland travellers”.

“Apparently the return to the mainland by the interstate visitors combined with Tasmanian travellers to the mainland has resulted in the bottleneck for bookings for all Tasmanians,” he said.

“Somehow priority has to be afforded to permanent residents of Tasmania who wish to use the TT Line without having to wait six months for a booking. After all we are ones paying for it to continue in service.”