TT LINE has reported “some interest” from potential buyers of existing vessels Spirit of Tasmania I and II but faces a competitive market, with other similar vessels available for sale.
Chief executive Chris Carbonne told a Tasmanian Parliamentary Accounts Committee hearing in Hobart this week [5 February] that the company “several months ago” appointed London-based Mason Shipbrokers — with whom TT Line has a long-standing relationship — to find buyers for the pair, due to be replaced by Spirit of Tasmania IV and V in Bass Strait service in October.
Mr Carbone said there had been "some interest" in the vessels, which he said have a book value of about $50 million each, the ABC reported.
“Obviously, it's a competitive market … there are other vessels available for sale at the moment.
“So we're certainly working with the broker to try and sell our vessels.”
He said, if necessary, TT-Line was open to selling the ships and then leasing them back until the new vessels come online.
But in an exchange with Labor's Treasury spokesman, Dean Winter, he acknowledged the sale might not happen before October.
Mr Winter: “What's the risk that we end up with [a situation where] we've still got two extra ships that are berthed somewhere that we don't actually need. Is that a real risk? And if so, how do we mitigate against that?”
Mr Carbone: “I think what I'd say [is] it's a risk. I think I'm comfortable, though, that we started the process early. So, we've started the process effectively more than 12 months out from changeover.”
The PAC was told TT Line is now confident the East Devonport Berth 3 terminal will be ready for the new vessels to begin service and will meet the revised budget of $493 million.
Mr Carbonne also said Spirit V is now expected to embark on the six-to-eight-week journey from its current lay-up berth in Leith, Scotland next month, although “it’s a logistical question about whether she comes first to Victoria and then to Tasmania, or just comes straight to Tasmania".
“That's really about availability of berths and fit-out logistics," he said.
The ABC also reported that TT Line has no intention of raising fares when the new ships enter service, despite the company’s acknowledged financial strains