TRAVELLERS will finally be able to book passage on TT Line’s new Bass Strait ro-paxes from Monday [22 December] in the first stage of an initial ticket release.
The announcement comes as Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff officially turned the first sod for the new terminal building at East Devonport, the delayed construction of which has forced a two-year postponement of the new vessels’ introduction.
“Ticket sales for the new Spirits will be available from Monday, marking a significant milestone for the project,” Mr Rockliff said. “I want to thank TT-Line’s new leadership team for their hard work and dedication to reach this next chapter.”
CEO Chris Carbone said it was an exciting next chapter for Spirit of Tasmania and Tasmania’s visitor and freight economy.
“The availability of tickets for travel on our new vessels is an important milestone in our vessel and terminal upgrade program,” he said.
“It is the start of a carefully planned approach to bring our two new vessels, alongside the new T3 terminal in Devonport into service, by the end of October next year.”
Due to the scale and complexity of the replacement project, tickets for sailings on the new vessels will be released in two stages, with all ship accommodation types, including pet cabins, family cabins and business recliners, expected to be available for sale by May 2026.
Mr Carbone said this was designed to ensure a smooth transition to the new ships, while maintaining the company’s existing reliable service.
Stage 1:
Stage 2 – first half of 2026:
Mr Carbone said throughout the transition between the new and current ships, the company’s existing vessels would continue to sail as normal.
“The current sailing schedule between Geelong and Devonport will remain in place,” he said.
“More cabins, recliners and vehicle spaces will be added over time as key project milestones are met.
“We will continue to share updates, key dates and supporting information so that our passengers can plan with confidence.”
Meanwhile, Mr Rockliff said it was fantastic to mark the beginning of construction on the passenger terminal: “The Berth 3 project is progressing well, with the site a hive of activity in recent months. Tasmania is entering a new era of opportunity.”
VOS Construction and Joinery CEO Kurt Jones said Vos had already undertaken work on the TT Line site, including an extensive in-situ concrete retaining wall, and was well underway with the ancillary buildings package for the site.
Mr Carbone said orders had been placed and off-site manufacturing of the steel and timber frames were well underway for the terminal building. All civil and earthworks have been completed by BMD & GradCo, with Vos now preparing the foundations and ground floor slab to be installed by the end of January.
Mr Carbone said the broader berth project was tracking very well and there was a high degree of confidence in the October 2026 completion date.
“As previously announced, the gantry in China has completed a successful trial assembly and is now finalising the painting process and being prepared for shipping at the end of December,” he said. “We are expecting the gantry to arrive into Australia in the last week of January 2026 which will be ahead of schedule.
“All marine piling is now complete and works are focused on the concrete structures that will form the bases to the gantry and fenders.
“The shore ramp has seen the third bridge deck installed with the two remaining bridge decks scheduled to begin in the new year.
“All freight yards are nearing completion and with the relocation of the biosecurity facility to Wright Street, attention is now focused on the passenger vehicle entry, parking and staging areas.”