Arabic version: سبيريت أوف تاسمانيا توقف رحلات الركاب لإجراء اختبارات العبارات

According to ABC News, the Spirit of Tasmania service will carry no paying passengers between Tasmania and the mainland from October 23 to 30 while staff complete operational testing and training for two new ferries.

The changeover will see the older Spirit I and Spirit II replaced by the larger Spirit IV and Spirit V, which are due to begin service in October. TT-Line said crew members will be unavailable for Bass Strait passenger crossings during the testing period. The new vessels are expected to make 12 freight trips between Geelong and Devonport during the transition week, with team members and potentially tourism industry participants aboard.

TT-Line chief executive Chris Carbone said such transition periods were normal for projects of this scale, allowing vessels, infrastructure and operational teams to prepare for a safe and reliable service. Testing will include the new ships using Devonport’s berth 3 for the first time. The purpose-built berth infrastructure is expected to be completed by the end of October, four months ahead of schedule, the government said.

The operator also plans to discontinue daytime sailings as the new ships provide increased freight and passenger capacity, although Mr Carbone said day sailings could be considered later if demand exceeds that capacity. Longer-term Spirit bookings beyond July 6, 2027 are not currently available and are expected to open soon.

Spirit I and Spirit II, launched nearly 25 years ago, are being offered for sale. Tasmanian government minister Nick Duigan said there was plenty of interest, while Mr Carbone said parties had inspected the vessels and engineering assessments had been undertaken.