Spirit of Tasmania V Arrives in Geelong After Seven-Week Voyage
The 212-meter vessel, built in Finland and stored in Scotland, has completed its journey to Australia and is slated to begin Bass Strait passenger service from late October.
The Spirit of Tasmania V has arrived in Geelong, Victoria, marking the end of a seven-week voyage from Scotland. The vessel was built in Finland before being stored in Scotland, and its arrival in Australian waters is a key milestone in the state’s ferry fleet expansion.
Next Steps: Gantry Testing and Relocation
The newly arrived ferry will now undergo gantry testing at the Port of Geelong. Following this, it will be temporarily relocated to Station Pier in Melbourne. It is scheduled to enter passenger service across Bass Strait from late October.
Sister Ship Already in Australia
The Spirit of Tasmania IV arrived in Australia approximately eight months ago and is currently moored at Melbourne's Nelson Pier. Both new ferries are expected to commence operations later this year.
Ticket Sales Underway
Tickets are currently available for voyages between October 31 and December 12. However, not all accommodation types are bookable yet. The full range of accommodations, including pet cabins and family cabins, is planned to become available this month.
Operations to Continue During Transition
The existing ferries will continue normal operations while the new vessels are being introduced and tested.