The Spirit of Tasmania IV, a new ferry built in Finland, will depart for Tasmania in only ten days. We look forward to having you along for the ride! Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the vessel’s new arrival date, currently expected to be in August. This delay is due to TT-Line’s inability to finish its berth on time. The new ferry has been undergoing modifications and sea trials for the past six months and is critical for enhancing transportation between Tasmania and the mainland.
ClimateWorks analysis revealed that Spirit of Tasmania IV is protected under safeguard mechanisms that require a 43% cut to emissions by 2030. We are agnostic on fuelling options to fulfill these needs. Our main interest is going to be the adoption of liquid natural gas (LNG). This simple logistical switch has the potential to save 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Delays and Future Expectations
The Spirit of Tasmania IV was originally due to depart Finland late last year. Infrastructure deteriorated enough to delay its departure. The promised berth in Devonport will not be completed before October 2026 at the earliest. This lengthy federal review process is adding more challenges to the ferry’s already tight operational timeline.
Premier Rockliff reaffirmed that the vessel would require approximately six weeks to sail to Tasmania once it sets off from Scotland. He stated a great example in the urgent need to build the required infrastructure.
“We welcome the fact that Spirit IV will commence its journey for the first time to Tasmania within 10 days,” – Jeremy Rockliff
Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations
This conversion to LNG is viewed as key first step in minimizing long-range environmental effects. Wacek Lipski, an LNG expert from the Clean Air Task Force, explained why it made sense to transition to LNG. He noted that without it, achieving emission reduction targets would be almost unattainable.
“There’s just no other way this can be achieved unless LNG is adopted.” – Wacek Lipski
Upgrading the LNG facilities in Devonport will not only support the Spirit of Tasmania IV but create significant economic opportunities. The project is anticipated to produce about 150 jobs in construction and an estimated 15 permanent employee positions. In addition, it will leverage more than $70 million in private investment, underscoring its criticality to local economic development.
“We need to build infrastructure and we need to build it now,” – Wacek Lipski
The Importance of LNG for Devonport
Resupplying with LNG offers numerous benefits to the local community and environment. Dean Winter noted that utilizing LNG increases environmental sustainability. It creates better environments in Devonport and further upgrades the passenger experience.
“Refuelling with LNG is good for the environment, it’s better for Devonport, it’s better for passengers,” – Dean Winter
This decision marks a significant step towards sustainability as they develop different fuelling options while acknowledging the short-term logistical requirements. His Premier Rockliff also noted that TT-Line is currently doing its utmost to address these difficulties.
“These are matters that are already being addressed by TT-Line,” – Jeremy Rockliff
