'Botched' Bass Strait ferries suffer new cost blowout
People will be able to sail Bass Strait on a new ferry from the end of 2026, according to a state government which has revealed a further cost blowout to the already-delayed ships.
Delivery of the two new larger Spirit of Tasmania vessels has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history.
One of the two ships has been in Scotland since December because an upgraded port at Devonport in Tasmania hasn't been built.
The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the project.
The government had previously flagged the new Devonport berth would be ready between October 2026 and February 2027.
On Friday, it said construction would be finished by October 2026 and the vessels would be operational for the 2026/27 summer.
The price tag has continued to blow out, to $493 million from the most-recent estimate of $375 million. It was originally slated to cost $90 million.
The ships, one of which is in Finland undergoing sea trials, were originally meant to get to Tasmania in late 2024.
Tourism companies and businesses that prepared for a greater influx of people have criticised the government for delays.
"The government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place," Transport Minister Eric Abetz said.
The ship in Scotland will arrive in Hobart in mid-July where it will undergo a final fit-out expected to take two months.
TT-Line, which operates the ferries, is considering where to berth the ship in Hobart once it is fully complete.
The government tried unsuccessfully to lease the ship during its stay in Scotland.
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