Devonport Welcomes Spirit IV: A New Era for Bass Strait Ferries

The arrival of the Spirit of Tasmania IV in Devonport has sparked joy and enthusiasm among locals, marking a significant milestone for Tasmania's ferry service. Crowds gathered along the banks of the Mersey River to witness the vessel's docking, which is part of a two-day testing phase before it officially begins operations across Bass Strait in October.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff was present at the event, sharing in the excitement of thousands of Tasmanians. He noted the collective pride as they watched the ship navigate the river with precision. “I got the real sense there that this was a dawn of a new era for tourism, for freight, for Tasmania,” he remarked.

The Spirit IV, along with its sister ship Spirit V, was originally slated for service in 2021. However, a series of delays and budget overruns have pushed back their launch. The ferry replacement program, which commenced in 2018, has incurred additional costs of $717 million, primarily due to the construction of new docking facilities in Devonport.

Ken Kanofski, chair of ferry operator TT-Line, stated that the ship would remain in Devonport for testing purposes, including assessments of its loading systems and hydraulic operations. “The purpose is really to test the gantry and the ship together in a live environment,” he explained, noting that they had previously conducted tests in Geelong.

Community reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with residents expressing nostalgia for the region's ferry history. Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman described the atmosphere as celebratory, with locals greeting the new vessel with excitement and optimism. She declared it a “shining light” for the city.

As the ship prepares for its official launch, the anticipation among residents suggests that the Spirit IV will play a vital role in connecting Tasmania with mainland Australia, echoing the legacy of previous vessels like the Princess of Tasmania.

Source: www.abc.net.au