New managers called to sort out Spirit ferry berth delays – branded by Premier as ’unacceptable’

The Premier has appointed two infrastructure experts to help speed up delivery of berth 3 at Devonport as TT-Line says it will dispute evidence given about the project.

Bridgewater Bridge Project Director Ben Maloney with Project Manager Craig Ferguson. Picture: Caroline Tan

The state government has appointed two infrastructure experts to try to sort out the “unacceptable” delays to berth upgrades needed to accommodate the new Bass Strait ferries in Devonport.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced on Wednesday that Ben Moloney has been appointed to collaborate with TT-Line and TasPorts, on top of his day job of overseeing the construction of the new $786m Bridgewater Bridge

Mr Rockliff said infrastructure delivery expert Peter Gemell has also been appointed to oversee the project to ensure the berth is ready as soon as possible and also allows for increased capacity for passengers and vehicles.

TT-Line and TasPorts have blamed each other for delays to upgrades at Devonport’s berth 3.

As the build of Spirit of Tasmania IV nears completion, the ship took to the open seas for the first time on a five-day trial run from Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland. Picture: Spirit of Tasmania

The new ferries are expected to run at greatly reduced capacity for at least their first year of operation because the new berth won’t be ready in time.

Mr Rockliff said the government would issue further directions to both TT-Line and TasPorts to greater responsibility and access for the Department of State Growth.

Mr Rockliff said that the delivery of the new vessels is a massive and important project for the state.

“I have been clear of my disappointment in these delays, and it’s frankly not acceptable,” he said.

“We will pull out all stops to get this done as soon as possible.

“I’m not interested in excuses or the blame game. I want solutions and I want them now. That’s what Tasmanians deserve and expect.”

TT-Line Chairman Mike Grainger is not happy. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Board of TT-Line Company Pty Ltd on Wednesday said it disputed evidence presented to the Public Accounts Committee on Monday.

Chairman Michael Grainger said he looked forward to setting the record straight when he and members of the management team give their version of events next month.

“Out of respect for the PAC process, while noting the significant community interest in the matter, we will be providing our factually correct evidence to the PAC first,” he said.

“At a high level, the Board, which met on Tuesday, stands by its recent decisions and the processes around those decisions, particularly related to paying additional funds to Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions to complete our two new Spirit of Tasmania ships.

“Further, we look forward to explaining in greater detail the context for the decisions the Board took in relation to the terminal development at berth 3 in Devonport.”

Mr Grainger said the company would shortly take delivery in Finland of the first of its new Spirit of Tasmania vessels to operate between Devonport and Geelong.

“The company is very much looking forward to receiving a date from TasPorts for when berth 1 will be ready to accommodate our first new Spirit of Tasmania vessel, Spirit of Tasmania IV,” he said.