Spirit of Tasmania V Arrives in Geelong After Seven-Week Journey from Scotland

Key facts

• Spirit of Tasmania V arrived in Geelong after a seven-week journey from Scotland.
• The vessel was constructed in Finland and stored in Scotland before departure.
• It will undergo gantry testing at the Port of Geelong tomorrow.
• Both new ferries are scheduled to begin passenger service between Victoria and Tasmania on October 31.
• The 212-metre-long vessel will be temporarily relocated to Station Pier in Melbourne.
• Spirit of Tasmania IV arrived in Australia about eight months ago and is moored at Melbourne's Nelson Pier.
• TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone stated the ship will stay in Melbourne until a berth opens in Hobart for final fit-out.
• Tickets are on sale for voyages from October 31 to December 12, but not all accommodation types are available yet.

Second New Ferry Docks in Geelong

The Spirit of Tasmania V has arrived in Geelong, completing a seven-week voyage from Scotland. The 212-metre vessel, built in Finland and stored in Scotland, is the second of two new ferries intended to replace the aging fleet on the Bass Strait route. Its arrival marks a milestone in a replacement program that has faced repeated delays and cost overruns. The ship will undergo gantry testing at the Port of Geelong tomorrow before moving to a temporary berth.

Gantry Testing and Temporary Relocation to Melbourne

Following the testing, the Spirit of Tasmania V will be temporarily relocated to Station Pier in Melbourne. TT-Line chief executive Chris Carbone said the vessel would remain in Melbourne until a berth becomes available for its final fit-out in Hobart. The first new ferry, Spirit of Tasmania IV, arrived in Australia about eight months ago and is currently moored at Melbourne's Nelson Pier. Both ships are now in Port Phillip Bay.

Scheduled Start of Passenger Service on October 31

Both vessels are scheduled to begin ferrying passengers between Victoria and Tasmania from October 31. Tickets are already on sale for voyages between that date and December 12, though not all accommodation types are yet available. TT-Line has previously stated that the full range of accommodation—including pet cabins, family cabins, and business recliners—would become available for booking from this month.

Beleaguered Replacement Program Nears Completion

The arrival of the Spirit of Tasmania V brings the troubled replacement program closer to completion. The program has been beset by delays and cost blowouts, with the vessels originally ordered years ago. TT-Line's existing ferries are expected to continue normal operations throughout the transition period between the old and new ships.

Outlook: Final Fit-Out and Full Service Ahead

Once the Spirit of Tasmania V completes its fit-out in Hobart, both new ferries will provide full service across Bass Strait. The company has not yet announced a timeline for when the vessel will move to Hobart. The new ships are expected to significantly increase capacity and improve reliability on the vital route connecting Tasmania to mainland Australia.

The bottom line

• Spirit of Tasmania V arrived in Geelong after a seven-week journey from Scotland, completing the arrival of both new ferries in Australian waters.
• The vessel will undergo gantry testing in Geelong tomorrow before temporary berthing at Station Pier in Melbourne.
• Both new ferries are scheduled to start passenger service on October 31, with tickets already on sale for initial voyages.
• The replacement program has faced significant delays and cost overruns, but is now nearing operational phase.
• TT-Line's existing ferries will continue normal operations during the transition.
• Full accommodation options, including pet cabins and family cabins, are expected to become available for booking this month.