The newly designed ferry Spirit of Tasmania IV is set to be mothballed at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh after being deemed too large for existing berths in Devonport, Australia. Originally constructed in Finland, the 212-meter-long vessel needs to vacate the shipyard before winter to avoid potential damage from pack ice. Plans to have a new berth ready in Tasmania have been pushed back, with estimates now suggesting completion will not occur until late 2026 or even 2027.
The ambitious ferry, touted as a transformative asset for Tasmania’s tourism sector, is now embroiled in a massive political controversy, being labeled a "ferry fiasco" by Australian media. Rising costs, construction delays, and infrastructure upgrade issues have created a storm of criticism, prompting resignations from key state officials, including the infrastructure minister and the TT-Line chairman.
TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer expressed the urgency of relocating the vessel due to expected severe weather in Finland. He stated, "To ensure the vessel’s safety and preservation, we will temporarily relocate it to Leith, Scotland, where conditions are more suitable." The ferry company is also exploring the possibility of leasing the ship, but significant work remains before that can be realized, contingent on completing remaining fit-out tasks in Australia.
The massive size of the ferry makes it unlikely to be integrated into Scottish waters, even as local ferry operators face severe vessel shortages. This situation recalls a similar controversy in Scotland where state-owned CMAL ordered vessels that exceeded local infrastructure capabilities, leading to further complications and delays.
As the ferry's saga continues, the implications stretch far beyond Tasmania, highlighting the challenges and pitfalls surrounding ambitious maritime projects.
