Port infrastructure for the two newest Spirit of Tasmania ships will not be ready for the vessels’ delivery, meaning the usual Devonport berth will not be deep enough to accommodate the larger ships.
The two new vessels will have 40 per cent more tourism and freight capacity than the existing ships in operation, however they will be hobbled by being forced to operate with the same number of passengers and freight so as not to sit too low in the water.
The ships are expected to arrive between late 2024 and early 2025, however the port upgrades will not be ready until 2026.
Instead, Berth 1 will be upgraded to accommodate the new vessels at an estimated cost of $50 million.
Spirit of Tasmania’s existing fleet is over 25 years old, and Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the berth one upgrades are to ensure the new vessels can be operating as soon as possible.
“Yes, it’s a difficult project, as most infrastructure projects are across the nation, and the globe, and indeed Tasmania,” Rockliff says. “But we got the job done.
“Spirit IV is much more efficient when it comes to freight and a new freight loading system.
“It’s safer for caravans and campervans and vehicles with wider lanes. It provides a much better customer experience and is more fuel efficient.”
Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Dean Winter says the cost of the delays and extra upgrades are set to hit the pockets of state taxpayers.
He has also labelled the project as “the biggest infrastructure stuff up in Tasmanian history”.
“Economist Saul Eslake has estimated the Liberals’ delays in delivering the ships are costing the Tasmanian economy $350 million each year they are late,” Winter says.
“Given we now know the new vessels will only be able to carry the same number of passengers and cargo as the current vessels, the Premier’s fabricated explanation of why it’s necessary to spend $50 million for a temporary solution doesn’t cut it.
“Despite the Liberals having seven years to prepare, work hasn’t even started on the Berth 3 upgrades. The Spirits project is now at least five years overdue with $500 million of unnecessary Liberal spending.”
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