SPIRIT OF TASMANIA 4

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Latest news

Issues with LNG system getting fixed

Technical tweaks were underway on both new Spirit of Tasmania vessels to fix issues with their liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems. On June 6 thr shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions had successfully rectified an issue with the LNG system on the 'Spirit of Tasmania V'. The fix has already been tested at the shipyard in Rauma and during sea trials. The same modification will now be made to the 'Spirit of Tasmania IV' in the coming days. Once the work has been finished, theship will undergo testing during a port trial. If the modification proves successful, a multi-day sea trial is then planned before the ship eventually sets sail for Tasmania.

New ferry has issues with LNG system

Both of Tasmania's brand new Bass Strait ferries 'Spirit of Tasmania IV' and 'Spirit of Tasmania 'V' have technical issue with their LNG systems. The ferries have been built by the Rauma Marine Construction and have been undergoing testing and preparations to travel to Tasmania. The 'Spirit of Tasmania IV' was due to leave Leith for Tasmania on May 26.. On MAy 27, the Minister for Transport Eric Abetz said that the TT-Line had advised the government an issue with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems on board both ships had been identified. The issue needs further assessment and rectification, and as a result the ferry will not depart for Australia until the work is completed. The government was awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date, but it is understood that this work will take some time. Any necessary repair costs will be covered under warranty with RMC. TT-Line had representatives on the ground in Finland and was engaging with the company. The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out.

New ferry will not house Ukrainian refugees

The Tasmanian Government has instructed the state-owned ferry operator TT-Line to cease lease negotiations for the 'Spirit of Tasmania IV' and instead begin the process of bringing it to Tasmania on March 2, 2025. There was no timeline of when the ferry would sail to Tasmania. The ship is still berthed in the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, while a suitable berth is built to house it in Devonport, Tasmania. It was originally meant to be transporting passengers and freight across Bass Strait by 2024. But delays to infrastructure at the port of Devonport mean neither of the two new ferries are expected to operate between Tasmania and Victoria until 2027. The Scottish government confirmed it had no plans to lease the 'Spirit of Tasmania IVÄ to house Ukrainian refugees. Pulse Tasmania had said the Scottish government was in "advanced negotiations" to lease the first ferry for this purpose. The Tasmanian government said a further update regarding timelines would be provided in due course.