SPIRIT of Tasmania I has departed Singapore for Geelong after the Maritime & Port Authority released it from a short detention.
In a statement operator TT Line noted the ship had been in dry dock for a range of engineering maintenance and upgrades.
“The vessel’s departure was delayed by Singapore port authorities while surveyors signed off a number of minor matters. This occurred overnight,” the line said.
Despite TT Line’s characterisation of the issues as “minor” the MPA yesterday advised one of the problems was an inoperative fire detection system. Expert sources have suggested to DCN that there were serious matters of immediate concern and that the MPA would have not detained the ship if not, otherwise simply ordering the deficiencies be rectified.
Spirit I is now expected to arrive in Australia on Friday 8 August, two days later than originally expected.
Immediately after Spirit I arrives, Spirit of Tasmania II will begin a previously-planned wet dock at Berth 4 West Devonport (the opposite side of the Mersey River to the TT Line terminal).
Both vessels are scheduled to return to the Bass Strait run on Sunday 11 August in preparation for the peak visitor season.
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Dale Crisp
