Computer simulations on the suitability of the first of the two replacement Spirit of Tasmania ships being able to use the current Spirit berth in Devonport could be known by the end of this week.
A new dedicated berth for the replacement ships isn’t expected to be completed until 2026, with the first replacement ship, Spirit of Tasmania 4, due to arrive before the end of the year.
Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff said on September 13th, a month ago from last Sunday, he was expecting to receive a report in the next four weeks or so – also saying at the time he would make the findings of the report available to the public.
The testing is being undertaken by the Australian Maritime College in Launceston and Smartship in Queensland.
Concerns have been raised over the berth being too shallow for the new ship to operate at full capacity. as well as concerns over safety, due to the close proximity of the adjacent terminal, with the new Spirits eight metres longer than the current vessels.
Meanwhile, the inquiry into the delays in the replacement ships and associated port infrastructure upgrades in Devonport, being chaired by Murchison Independent MLC Ruth Forrest, will resume on November 18, when it will hear from Searoad managing director Chas Kelly and Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff.
