October 25, 2024
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has posted an annoucement on his Facebook page.
It is about the fact that the terminal in Devonport will not be ready when the new “Spirit of Tasmania” ferries arrive from Finland.
- An expert report on the necessary port infrastructure has been received, and the Premier has laid out the reasons for the government’s intervention.
- The situation has caused significant frustration, but the focus is on moving forward rather than dwelling on past issues.
- The government will prioritise the construction of permanent berthing infrastructure at Devonport Port.
- Short-term solutions were considered but ultimately deemed unsuitable.
- Worst-case scenario: the infrastructure may not be completed until February 2027, but efforts are being made to accelerate the timeline to October 2026, in time for the peak summer period.
- Without government intervention, the project might have faced even further delays.
- The first of the new Spirits is due to leave Finland shortly and head to Hobart for final fit-out.
- Two world-leading infrastructure experts will now lead the project to ensure timely delivery.
- During this time, the new Spirits will travel to Tasmania for final fit-out. TT-Line will seek leasing or chartering options for the vessels.
- If no leasing options are found, the government will ensure TT-Line is not charged by TasPorts for storing the vessels in Tasmania.
- The goal is to financially benefit Tasmania while avoiding further maintenance and storage costs.
- The Premier expressed disappointment at the situation but emphasised the need for unity and resilience to move forward.