TT LINE’s controversial new East Devonport terminal will be completed earlier than previously forecast but will cost an additional $118 million.
The much-delayed Berth 3 terminal at East Devonport is now expected to be ready by October 2026, in time for the 2026-27 peak tourist season, and five months ahead of the earlier-expected February 2027 date.
But Tasmanian transport minister EricAbetz this morning told the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee that the facility is now costed at $493 million, compared to last year’s TT Line estimate of $375 million and the original, abandoned $90 million contract, awarded four years ago.
“It is fanciful to suggest this figure was ever realistic, yet it was the figure provided by the company to the government and the then-minister,” Mr Abetz told the committee.
“While disappointed with a new figure, the government and I are comfortable that we are now receiving robust and accurate advice from the company for this project.”
In a media release Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff reiterated the Government’s commitment to pursue every opportunity to bring forward the timeframe for delivery of the berth 3 infrastructure.
“We said we would fix the spirits, and that’s exactly what we have done.
“I want to thank the new [TT Line] chair Ken Kanofski and project director Paul Kirkwood for their hard work and dedication to getting this project on track.
“We also have many contractors on site, working tirelessly to pull out all stops to get this project delivered as quickly as possible and I thank them for their work.”
The government has approved an additional $200,000 payment to Mt Kanofski for what Mr Abetz said was “a very significant amount of time on the project recovery, well and truly over and above what is considered typical of other board chairs – work that would be more typically performed by a specialist consultant.”
Mr Abetz informed the PAC about the new contract estimate of $493 million, signed by TT Line and BMD, which “determines a way forward that will deliver faster timelines, and improved project management.
“The Government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place,” the minister said.
Mr Abetz also provided an update on Spirit of Tasmania IV which is expected to depart Leith in Scotland for Australia on or around 26 May 2025. The voyage is expected to take approximately 36 days, subject to weather, with an arrival into Hobart mid July 2025.
While in Hobart, the final fit out will be completed, this includes items such as mattresses and linen, artwork, some tabletops and signage.
Vessel familiarisation and specific training will be undertaken along with compliance testing of equipment such as the deployment of the Marine Evacuation Systems. This is expected to take 6-8 weeks.
TT-Line is currently considering lay-up berth options for Spirit of Tasmania IV for when these works in Hobart are concluded.
The line’s new chief executive, Chris Carbonne, will take up his position on Sunday [12 May], Mr Abetz said.
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