SPIRIT of Tasmania II will be laid up in Hobart later this month for maintenance and repair works.
The ferry will be out of action between 18 July and 7 August while routine maintenance works are undertaken at Macquarie Wharf.
The process will involve deck and hull preservation and painting; scheduled tank inspections; and routine maintenance on the main engine, main gearboxes, generators and auxiliary equipment.
General repairs will also be carried out on the ship’s interior before it resumes service in early August.
TT-Line CEO and managing director Bernard Dwyer said Tasmanian companies would benefit from the local maintenance works.
“Our current Spirit of Tasmania vessels remain very highly regarded on the international ship market because of our rigorous schedule of maintenance,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Tasmania has such a strong reputation for quality workmanship in the maritime sector and this lay-up provided the ideal opportunity for local companies maintain this iconic Tasmanian ship.”
While Spirit of Tasmania II is being worked on, Spirit of Tasmania I will operate on an amended schedule between the ports of Devonport and Geelong.
The current spirits of Tasmania are to be replaced by two new ferries, Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V, currently under construction in Finland. Delivery is scheduled for 2024.
