New Spirit of Tasmania ferries set for first sailing
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 01:39 · Archive
Two new Bass Strait ferries are making their first sailing on Saturday after years of delays and a $717 million budget blowout.
Two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries are making their first Bass Strait sailings on Saturday after years of delays and a $717 million project budget blowout.
The vessels are 40 per cent bigger than their predecessors and can carry almost three times as many caravans and motorhomes. Caravan park operator Luke Emmett said the new ferries represented major infrastructure for Tasmania, comparing them to Sydney Opera House in significance. 'In the past we've always had trouble with limited space on the old boats,' he said.
The project faced difficulties in 2024 when it emerged the ferries would have to remain idle because a new berth in Tasmania would not be ready in time for their completion. The berth, originally slated to cost $90 million, reached a final price tag of $493 million. Amy Hills, chief executive of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, said the project 'represents one of the biggest step-changes in access to our state in many decades'. The plan to replace the old Spirits was initially announced in 2017.
How it is being reported
- 'Our Opera House': spirits high for arrival of ferriesAfter years of delays, a $717 million cost blowout and political fallout, two new Bass Strait ferries are about to set off on their first sailing.Perth Now · 30 Oct, 01:09
- 'Our Opera House': spirits high for arrival of ferriesAfter years of delays, a $717 million cost blowout and political fallout, two new Bass Strait ferries are about to set off on their first sailing.The West Australian · 30 Oct, 01:08
In this story: Spirit of Tasmania · Tasmania · Luke Emmett · Amy Hills · Tourism Industry Council Tasmania · Bass Strait
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