TT LINE is negotiating to have Spirit of Tasmania V join sister Spirit of Tasmania IV ‘in storage’ at Geelong, the company’s chairman has revealed.
Ken Kanofski also disclosed that the cost of keeping Spirit IV idle in Geelong is almost $900,000 a month, due to unavoidable expenses for crewing and fuel. The vessel has been in Corio Bay, alternating between anchorage and Spirit Quay and a lay-by berth, since 20 October 2025.
Spirit V, which is laid up in Leith, Scotland is still expected to depart for Australia in May for final fitting out in Hobart once a berth becomes available at the end of the cruise season, and when crew availability improves after TT Line’s Easter peak-season double daily sailings.
Mr Kanofski was speaking while celebrating last week’s arrival of the new East Devonport terminal’s loading/unloading gantry, built in China, on the heavy-lift vessel BBC Coral last week and Saturday’s pouring of the concrete slab for the terminal building.
He said the gantry’s arrival represented a significant milestone, reducing the risk for the project substantially.
“With the arrival of this important piece of infrastructure, TT-Line is confident we are on track for the new vessels to commence service on Bass Strait in October this year, and that the project will be completed within the previously announced budget amount of $493 million.
“TT Line is confident we are on track for the new vessels to commence service on Bass Strait in October this year,” he said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the terminal site was a hub of activity.
“Today marks a big milestone towards the delivery of Berth 3,” Mr Rockliff said. “This prefabricated gantry is pivotal to the completion of Berth 3.
“It will be installed over the coming months while work continues on other projects like the terminal and the freight and vehicle staging areas.
"This next phase of construction is supporting local jobs and our economy, as we deliver this important project for Tasmania.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, affirmed Berth 3 was on track for its October 2026 completion.
“This site is buzzing, and with the asphalt down, streetlights up and the freight office set up things are moving at a rate of knots. There is still plenty to do, but I know we have the right team delivering it.
“These new ships will bring more tourists, more business and more freight to and from the entire state — it’s great news for Tasmania.”