New problems with Spirit of Tasmania ferries delay arrival again
Both of Tasmania's brand new Bass Strait ferries have "technical issues" and their departure for Australia will be delayed, the government has said.
The new Spirit of Tasmania ferries, Spirit IV and V, have been built in Finland by shipbuilder Rauma Marine Construction and have been undergoing testing and preparations to travel to Tasmania.
Spirit IV has been docked in Scotland in recent months and was due to leave for Tasmania on Monday, May 26, but TT-Line said in a statement on Monday that inclement weather had prevented its departure.
In a statement this morning, Minister for Transport Eric Abetz said TT-Line had advised the government an issue with the liquefied natural gas systems on board both ships had been identified.
"RMC has advised TT-Line that the issue needs further assessment and rectification, and as a result Spirit IV will not depart for Australia until the work is completed," Mr Abetz said.
"The government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date, but it is understood that this work will take some time."
He said that any necessary repair costs will be covered under warranty with RMC, and that TT-Line had representatives on the ground in Finland and was engaging with the company.
"The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out," Mr Abetz said.
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