Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
New Spirit of Tasmania ferries begin Bass Strait crossings
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are beginning their first official crossings of Bass Strait this evening.
The ferries serve the route between Tasmania and mainland Australia, and will replace the 28-year-old Spirit of Tasmania I and II.
The replacement project has faced years of delays, cost blowouts and controversy since it was announced in 2017.
The new ships can carry 400 more passengers and have 60 per cent more vehicle space than the older vessels.
They also have space for three times as many caravans and motorhomes, as well as pet-friendly cabins.
More room could make travel easier for visitors who have struggled to book space for vehicles and caravans.
Tasmania's tourism industry hopes the new ferries will bring more visitors and support future growth.
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V began their first official Bass Strait crossings on the evening of October 30, 2026.
The new ferries are replacing Spirit of Tasmania I and II, which have operated the Bass Strait route since 2002.
The new ships can carry 400 more passengers and have 60 per cent more vehicle space than their predecessors.
They also have space for three times as many caravans and motorhomes, as well as upgraded amenities including pet-friendly cabins.
Tasmanian tourism representatives welcomed the ships, after years of delays and uncertainty around the replacement project.
- Who
- Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, operated by state-owned TT-Line, began their first official crossings.
- What
- The new ferries started operating on the Bass Strait route, replacing Spirit of Tasmania I and II.
- When
- The evening of October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Bass Strait, between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
- Why
- They are replacing the older Spirit of Tasmania vessels and offer greater passenger and vehicle capacity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Tasmanian government announced plans to replace Spirit of Tasmania I and II.
The new ferries were initially planned to enter service.
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V set sail for their first official Bass Strait crossings.
- New ferries
- Spirit of Tasmania IV and V
- Replaced vessels
- Spirit of Tasmania I and II
- Passenger capacity
- 400 more passengers than the older vessels
- Vehicle space
- 60 per cent more than the older vessels
- Caravans and motorhomes
- Space for three times as many as the older vessels
What people are saying
We're excited, we're relieved, and we're really … looking forward to having our new Spirits on their run and bringing visitors to Tasmania,
For us, it's obviously the start of a new era … just exciting times. They're a great-looking boat, coming into a fantastic state,