Devonport’s state-of-the-art Spirit of Tasmania terminal is in its final stages of completion, preparing to welcome passengers aboard the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V vessels from October 31, 2026. The terminal building, a significant infrastructure project for the Mersey Valley, is largely complete, with IT systems, communications networks, and commissioning currently being finalised.
The fifth new vessel, Spirit of Tasmania V, is expected to arrive in the Mersey River this weekend for its final commissioning, following the arrival of Spirit of Tasmania IV last week for operational training.
Tasmanian company VOS Construction and Joinery was responsible for the terminal’s construction, engaging over 300 workers and subcontractors throughout the project’s lifespan. The building proudly showcases local materials, incorporating Tasmanian timber in its structure, fit-out, and furniture, alongside ochre red bricks sourced from Longford and Tasmanian oak seating fabricated near Launceston.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent confirmed that staff training, signage, and various systems are still being finalised. Minister Vincent acknowledged the project’s complex history, stating that while the terminal build was on time and on budget, he conceded the overall project would leave Tasmanians with debt for years and that he “would have done things differently” if looking at it as an individual project. He also described the terminal as “intergenerational infrastructure” for the state.
The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels are set to significantly boost capacity across Bass Strait, with TT-Line anticipating a 40 per cent increase in freight capacity. The ships are designed to carry up to 1,800 passengers, an increase from the previous 1,400, and offer more than three times the space for caravans. Onboard, passengers can expect 301 cabins, including new pet-friendly and family options, business recliners, two cinemas, and Tasmanian-inspired dining.
Bookings for the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V vessels opened in stages from September 16, 2026, for travel commencing October 31, 2026. TT-Line has announced an eight-day pause in service between October 23 and 30, allowing for the transition from the existing Spirit of Tasmania I and II to the new fleet. The new timetable will feature overnight crossings exclusively, with day sailings to be considered in the future if demand warrants.
The broader ferry replacement program has faced years of delays and significant cost overruns. The berth project alone saw its original $90 million cost revised to $493 million, and TT-Line received a $506 million government bailout in the May state budget to cover past capital cost overruns.