Arabic version: الركاب يشيدون بالرحلة الأولى لسفينة سبيريت أوف تسمانيا الخامسة

According to ABC News, Spirit of Tasmania V arrived in Devonport at 6:19am on Sunday after its maiden passenger voyage from Geelong. The crossing took place under clear skies and calm seas, with Bass Strait described as kind to passengers and crew.

About 12 hours earlier, guests gathered on deck as the ship departed Geelong. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said, “We’ve stayed the course, and we’ve got it done.” Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman called the Spirit of Tasmania brand iconic and said the two new ships were also iconic to the state.

The new ferries, built by Finnish company Rauma Marine Constructions, had been affected by delays and cost blowouts. Finland’s ambassador to Australia, Arto Haapea, described the vessels as a “beautiful collaboration” and “a beautiful story.”

Passengers included ferry enthusiast Mitchell Bruce, who said travelling on the original Spirit while growing up in Tasmania had sparked his interest. Celeste Ackerly, travelling with her child and two dogs, said it was “pretty cool” to learn she had booked the maiden crossing. Brian Munday, returning home after a three-and-a-half-month mainland road trip, said the finished ship was good.

As the north-west Tasmanian coast came into view, Mr Rockliff and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent addressed the media. Mr Vincent called the occasion iconic, while the premier said the project had faced challenges but had been completed by capable people. There is hope November 1, 2026, will represent a new dawn for the brand.