Thousands Welcome Tasmania's New Ferry After Years of Delays

Thousands of Tasmanians gathered before dawn Sunday to witness something special: their new ferry gliding into Devonport for the first time.

Spirit of Tasmania IV sailed up the Mersey River at 7am, turning gracefully and backing perfectly into its berth as crowds cheered from the banks. Premier Jeremy Rockliff stood among families of all ages, calling it "the dawn of a new era for tourism, for freight, for Tasmania."

The celebration felt especially sweet after a long and bumpy journey. The ferry and its sister ship Spirit V were originally planned to launch in 2021, but delays and infrastructure challenges pushed the timeline back five years.

The ferry replacement program, which began in 2018, has cost $717 million more than originally forecast. Most of those overruns went to building a new berth in Devonport capable of handling the larger vessels.

But on Sunday morning, nobody seemed focused on the past. Rodney Winwood joined the riverside crowd, admitting he "had doubts whether it would fit" but came out to see history anyway.

For the next two days, crews will test Spirit IV's hydraulics, loading systems, and management systems with the new gantry. The ship will then return to Victoria before coming back permanently in October to begin passenger service.

Spirit V will undergo similar testing in Devonport this September. Both ships remain on track to start carrying passengers across Bass Strait in October, finally replacing the aging fleet.

The Ripple Effect

The new ferries represent more than just upgraded transportation. They're purpose-built vessels designed specifically for Tasmania's needs, connecting the island state to the mainland for generations to come.

Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent noted the emotion and nostalgia in the crowd, with older Tasmanians remembering the Princess and Empress ships that served the route decades ago. The moment connected past and future, honoring Tasmania's maritime heritage while embracing modern capability.

Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman described the scene around town as purely celebratory. "We're getting hugs, we're getting high fives, we're getting people shaking our hands and congratulating us," she said.

Premier Rockliff reflected on seeing the previous Spirit ferries arrive 24 years ago during his first year in politics, calling this moment equally proud. The new ships will serve Tasmania for the next three decades or more, strengthening the vital link that brings tourists, freight, and opportunity to the island state.

After years of waiting and wondering, Tasmania's new ferry is finally home.