Construction of Tasmania’s new Spirit of Tasmania replacement vessels in Finland is on schedule, according to Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson.
Mr Ferguson says Spirit of Tasmania 4 is due to be delivered in the first quarter of next year, and due to start on the Devonport-Geelong run in July, with Spirit 5 due for delivery before the end of next year.
The two vessels will be able to carry 1800 passengers each, up from the current 1400, with a 40 per cent increase in freight capability as well.
Announcing Launceston-based flooring company Benchmark Agencies will supply carpets for the new ships, Mr Ferguson says Tasmanian businesses, including Norfolk Blinds in Burnie, are benefiting from the State Government’s contract condition that $100 million worth of the fit-outs are to be contracted to Tasmanian businesses.
