The Tasmanian Government has ordered the state-owned ferry operator, TT-Line, to halt lease negotiations and bring the new Spirit of Tasmania IV ferry back to Tasmania. The vessel is currently docked in Scotland.
Deputy Premier Guy Barnett confirmed the decision yesterday, stating, “The government has instructed TT-Line to stop negotiations and start preparing to bring Spirit IV home to Tasmania.”
Transport Minister Eric Abetz explained that TT-Line had been negotiating in good faith with a broker, but an agreement could not be reached. As a result, the government has directed TT-Line to focus on relocating the ferry to Tasmania. However, neither Barnett nor Abetz provided a specific timeline for the vessel’s return.
Minister Abetz emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting Tasmanian taxpayers’ interests. “We explored an opportunity that could have brought tens of millions of dollars to the state,” he said. “Similar leases in the past have earned over 50 million euros for vessel owners, so it was our responsibility to consider this option.”
Abetz also criticized the opposition Labor Party for its negative stance on the matter, claiming that their comments harmed the state’s economic prospects. “The constant negativity is damaging our economic opportunities. It’s time to move forward together,” he said.
TT-Line will now proceed with plans to bring the ferry back to Tasmania. Further updates on the timeline will be provided later.
The Spirit of Tasmania IV is currently docked at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland. It will remain there until a suitable berth is completed in Devonport, Tasmania. The ferry was originally scheduled to begin transporting passengers and freight across Bass Strait last year, but delays in constructing the necessary infrastructure in Devonport have pushed the expected start date to 2027.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government has denied rumors that it planned to lease the Spirit of Tasmania IV to house Ukrainian refugees. A spokesperson stated, “This is not true. The government has no plans to lease this or any other vessel for this purpose.”
A second new vessel, the Spirit of Tasmania V, is still under construction in Finland.
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