THE SPIRIT of Tasmania IV officially docked in Fremantle on Tuesday, 12 August, after a six-week, 14,857-nautical-mile voyage from Scotland on its way to Tasmania.
Spirit left Leith in Scotland on 30 June and travelled via Gibraltar, Cape Verde, Cape Town, and Port Louis.
It will stay in Fremantle for four days for customs, immigration, crew change, refuelling, and resupply.
Its next destination is Hobart, Tasmania, after what is expected to be a Devonport stop-off for local viewing. It is due to arrive in Hobart on 23 August, weather permitting for final fit-out which includes furnishings and crew training.
Spirit IV is due to go into operation late in 2026, due to delays in Devonport terminal infrastructure (now projected to cost $493 million) and neither TT Line for the Tasmanian government have yet revealed where Spirit IV and yet-to-come Spirit V will be laid up pending their introduction to service.
Spirit V is still at the builder’s yard in Rauma, Finland, and is expected to depart for Tasmania when the delivery crew from Spirit IV returns to Europe.
Spirit IV, also built by Rauma Marine Construction in Finland has spent nearly six months berthed in Scotland due to leasing and infrastructure delays.
Allen Newton
