SOMEWHAT mixing his metaphors, Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff has declared the Spirit of Tasmania new berth project “back on the road”.
Mr Rockliff was speaking at a media event in East Devonport yesterday (13 November) to mark the beginning of pile-driving work for at the new terminal ramp at berth 3. After the failure of the original terminal construction contract a new partnership has been appointed to the project, completion of which is now not expected until early 2027.
The premier said the piling work represents an important step forward in delivering the ramp infrastructure needed for the new ro-paxes, which are to be “parked” in Leith, Scotland – or chartered out – until the terminal is ready.
“Tasmanian company Bridgepro Engineering, one of three Tasmanian firms involved in the Spirits Partnership, has begun driving 100 piles for the project’s fixed shore ramp,” Premier Rockliff said.
“The piles range from eight to 15-metres in length and the work is being completed by a 25-metre-tall drilling rig that has been mobilised to the site.
“About 60% of the pile driving work is expected to be completed by Christmas, subject to geotechnical conditions and weather.”
Spirit Partners comprises BMD Constructions and Fitzgerald Constructions Australia, who delivered Spirit of Tasmania operator TT Line’s Geelong Port facility, together with Bridgepro Engineering and Tasmanian companies Gradco and Vos Constructions.
Through the partnership with the three Tasmanian firms, Spirit Partners will bring local employment opportunities to the project with more than 50% will be delivered by the local partners.
“We have said we will sort the Spirits, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” Mr Rockliff said. “We are also backing our tourism industry.”
