Interferry2023 Conference Guide
A New Era of Sea Travel
Spirit of Tasmania, operated by Tasmanian-based TT-Line Company, is on the cusp of an exciting new era. With two purpose-built vessels currently under construction in Finland, the experience of passengers and freight clients on board this iconic ferry will be dramatically transformed.
Connecting the island state of Tasmania with mainland Australia, Spirit of Tasmania is one of Australia’s most iconic travel experiences and a vital connection for passengers, passenger vehicles and freight across Bass Strait.
Currently, the twin ships Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II operate overnight sailings across Bass Strait between Geelong in Victoria’s south-west and Devonport on Tasmania’s north-west coast. The Company also operates additional day sailings to meet the heightened demand during the peak season from September to April.
Transporting more than 450,000 passengers annually, Spirit of Tasmania is widely recognised for its contribution to the Australian tourism industry and its role in fostering Australia’s economic development through its top-tier passenger and freight services.
Much of the Company’s success can be attributed to the leadership of the Company’s CEO and Managing Director, Bernard Dwyer, who has been with Spirit of Tasmania since 2014. Under his leadership, the Company achieved record passenger numbers in 2018/19; navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic; and initiated the significant relocation of the Company’s Victorian port from the state’s capital city of Melbourne to the coastal city of Geelong, a move spanning 70km.
However, the most noteworthy and transformative development is the commissioning of two new purpose-built vessels due for delivery in 2024 set to replace the current fleet.
Mr. Dwyer describes the new vessels as a game-changer for the Company and the state of Tasmania.
“The new ships, while sharing a similar roll-on/roll-off design to our current vessels, will boast substantially larger capacity for passengers, passenger vehicles and freight.”
“Demand for our service remains high and is continuing to grow. These new vessels will significantly enhance our Company’s ability to meet the needs of our passengers and freight clients, particularly those travelling with high vehicles.”
“We’re incredibly excited about these new ships, and not just about the increased size, but also the design and build quality, and the new amenities that passengers will be able to enjoy on board.”
“The ship design will integrate seamlessly with the three-level access ramp at our terminal in Geelong, and a new three-level access ramp to be installed in Devonport in 2024. This innovation will enable simultaneous boarding and disembarking of passenger vehicles and freight vehicles, reducing our time in port and increasing operational efficiency.”
“In terms of sustainability, the new vessels will serve as crucial infrastructure for the next 25 to 30 years. Environmental considerations are central to their design, including the installation of dual-fuel engines. This allows the Company to easily meet current statutory targets by running on LNG and diesel, with the flexibility to introduce new biofuels as they become available.”
The eagerly awaited new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V, are scheduled for delivery in 2024, heralding a new era for Spirit of Tasmania and the state of Tasmania.