TT-Line is exploring leasing options for new Spirit of Tasmania ferries

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed TT-Line will explore options to “lease or charter” the state’s two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

In a speech on Thursday, Rockliff announced a revised plan for the rollout following an “expert report” on the project’s infrastructure delays.

Under the new plan, the government is targeting a ‘worst case scenario’ completion date of February 2027 for the construction infrastructure in Devonport.

However, the Prime Minister said he believes the project could potentially be brought forward to October 2026, in time for the peak summer period.

“The situation we are in is, quite frankly, unfathomable,” he said.

“It has now become clear that if we had not intervened, this project might not have been completed until much later.”

“With the first of our new Spirits due to leave Finland in the coming weeks and head to Hobart for final fitting, this is completely unacceptable.”

He said the new Spirits will still travel to Tasmania for final outfitting and not to Singapore as had been mooted.

“Once completed and ready for service, TT-Line will look to lease or charter the new Spirits and has engaged a broker to identify suitable options,” he said.

“If a suitable option is not found and the ships need to be stored in Tasmania, we will ensure that TasPorts does not charge TT-Line for this.”

“By leasing the vessels, Tasmanians will benefit financially and avoid the need to incur further maintenance and storage costs.”