Tasmania has entered a new chapter in passenger and freight transportation after two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries began their inaugural passenger voyages across Bass Strait on Saturday, 31 October 2026.

The new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V, are replacing the older ferries that have connected Tasmania with mainland Australia for more than two decades.

The historic passenger sailings mark an important milestone for the state's transport network, tourism industry and regional economy. The new ships are designed to provide greater capacity, improved passenger facilities and additional space for vehicles and freight.

According to the Tasmanian Government, Spirit of Tasmania IV departed from Geelong in Victoria, while Spirit of Tasmania V departed from Devonport in Tasmania. Both vessels were scheduled to leave at approximately 6:45 pm on Saturday.

The new ships can accommodate approximately 470 additional passengers per sailing compared with the previous vessels. They also provide substantially more vehicle capacity, allowing more travellers to bring their cars, caravans and motorhomes when visiting Tasmania.

Each vessel features 301 cabins, including family accommodation, accessible cabins, deluxe options and pet-friendly rooms. The new accommodation arrangements are intended to make longer journeys more comfortable for families, travellers with accessibility requirements and passengers travelling with pets.

The ships also include upgraded dining and entertainment facilities. Passengers can experience new dining areas, lounges, outdoor spaces and entertainment facilities designed to showcase Tasmanian food, culture and craftsmanship.

The new vessels have been developed to support the growing tourism industry by making travel between Victoria and Tasmania more accessible.

Tourism operators have welcomed the additional passenger capacity, saying that improved ferry services could help attract more visitors and support businesses across the island.

For many travellers, taking a vehicle across Bass Strait is an important part of visiting Tasmania. The increased capacity for cars, caravans and motorhomes is expected to provide more flexibility for people planning road trips and longer holidays.

However, the introduction of the new ferries follows a lengthy and controversial replacement project.

The replacement program was originally expected to deliver new vessels much earlier, but construction delays, contract changes and infrastructure problems repeatedly pushed back the timeline.

The project also experienced significant cost increases. The construction of the new ships and the associated port infrastructure became a major financial issue for the Tasmanian Government.

The development of a suitable berth at Devonport was particularly challenging because the new vessels required larger facilities than the previous ferries.

The completed infrastructure at Devonport is intended to support the operation of the larger ships and provide improved facilities for passengers and freight operators.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff described the inaugural voyages as the beginning of a new chapter for the state, highlighting their importance for tourism, local businesses and transport connections.

Spirit of Tasmania chief executive Chris Carbone also welcomed the first passenger sailings, describing the occasion as a significant achievement for the company and everyone involved in delivering the vessels.

The older Spirit of Tasmania I and II are expected to be replaced as the new ships become established in regular service.

The introduction of the new ferries is expected to strengthen the connection between Tasmania and mainland Australia while providing additional opportunities for tourism, freight transportation and regional economic development.

For passengers, the first voyages represent the beginning of a new travel experience across Bass Strait.