BASS STRAIT ro-pax Spirit of Tasmania IV will leave Scotland for its home state after the Tasmanian Government directed owner TT Line to abandon negotiations to lease the ship out.
Delivered last September by Finland builder RMC the vessel, along with still-to-be-completed sister Spirit of Tasmania V, cannot enter service until the completion of TT Line’s new East Devonport terminal in early 2027. The Tasmanian Government sent Spirit IV to Leith at the end of November to lay up while seeking a short-to-medium-term charter, a move highly unpopular with Tasmanians who don’t want “a second-hand ship’.
Yesterday [2 March] Tasmanian treasurer Guy Barnett broke the news the ship will relocate to Tasmania and this was subsequently confirmed by premier Jeremy Rockliff and transport minister Eric Abetz
“The Tasmanian Government has instructed TT-Line to cease negotiations and continue plans to relocate the Spirit of Tasmania IV to Tasmania,” Mr Abetz said.
“TT-Line has been engaging with a broker in good faith; however, it has become evident that an agreement will not be reached.
“As a result, TT-Line has been instructed to continue preparations to relocate the vessel to Tasmania.”
Mr Abetz said government had done all it could to deliver a lease that would be beneficial for Tasmanians.
“We have always acted in the best interests of the Tasmanian taxpayer. We had an opportunity to secure an agreement worth tens of millions of dollars for the Tasmanian taxpayer, and it would have been economically irresponsible not to explore this.
“Previous similar leases provided more than 50 million euros to vessel owners, and it was prudent that we sought similar arrangements for Tasmanian taxpayers.
“Sadly, Labor’s negativity surrounding the matter has not helped and disparaging commentary has harmed the State’s economic interests.
“The relentless negativity is hurting the state’s economic opportunities, and it’s time to move forward together. TT-Line will continue with plans to relocate the vessel, and a further update regarding timelines will be provided in due course.”
Premier Rockliff posted on social media: “Unfortunately, it’s become clear that a deal won’t be reached that benefits Tasmanians. And Tasmania comes first, always. As I have always said, if we couldn’t find an appropriate lease we’d bring Spirit IV home. So, as planned, that’s what we’re doing. Once we have more details on when Spirit IV will be leaving Scotland and arriving in Tasmania, I’ll let everyone know.”
Last week news outlet Pulse Tasmania posted that Spirit IV was going to be leased to the Scottish Government to house Ukrainian refugees, replacing Estonian ropax Victoria I which has now returned to Tallink service in the Baltic.
However, the Scottish and Tasmanian governments have both denied any such intent.
