New Spirit of Tasmania ferries begin passenger sailings after years of delays
Two new ferries have begun carrying passengers across Bass Strait, the stretch of sea between mainland Australia and Tasmania, after years of delays and a huge cost blowout. Spirit of Tasmania IV left Geelong in Victoria and Spirit of Tasmania V left Devonport in Tasmania on Saturday night, 31 October, both at 6:45pm local time, on their first passenger sailings.
The new ships replace Spirit of Tasmania I and II, which are 28 years old and have served the route since 2002. Each new vessel has 301 cabins and room for up to 1,800 passengers. They also carry 60 per cent more vehicles than the old ships, with more than three times the space for caravans and motorhomes. On board, passengers will find family, deluxe, accessible and pet-friendly cabins, along with dining areas, a gaming zone and a movie theatre.
The arrival of the new ferries ends a long and troubled project. The replacement ships were first meant to enter service in 2021, under a contract worth $714 million. Instead, the project ran $717 million over budget, AAP reports. The new berth at Devonport alone rose from $90 million to $493 million, and state-owned operator TT-Line received a $506 million taxpayer bailout in 2026. TT-Line is forecast to stay in debt until at least 2052. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the first sailings “mark the beginning of a new chapter for Tasmania” and would help welcome more visitors and support local businesses and freight operators.
Why it matters
The ferry is Tasmania’s main sea link to the Australian mainland, carrying tourists, cars and freight. The bigger ships mean more visitors can bring their vehicles, including caravans, which matters for an island state where tourism is a major part of the economy. The first sailings also close the book on one of Australia’s most criticised infrastructure projects, which became a political headache after the ships sat idle while the new Devonport berth was finished.
What happens next
The two new ships will now run the regular overnight service between Geelong and Devonport. TT-Line is in advanced talks to sell the two older ferries. Travellers should check their booking details with the operator, as sailing times can change.
This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/new-spirit-of-tasmania-ferries-embark-on-historic-trip (AAP, 31 October 2026)
- https://latrobetimes.com.au/article/new-spirit-of-tasmania-ships-begin-passenger-sailings-from-d-2026-10-31/ (Latrobe Times, 31 October 2026)
