The completion date of Berth 3 has been brought forward to October 2026.
The new infrastructure is now anticipated to be in place and ready to welcome the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels into operations in time for the 2026-27 peak summer season.
This is four months earlier than the previously announced anticipated completion of February 2027.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff welcomed the news, reiterating the Government's commitment to pursue every opportunity to bring forward the timeframe for delivery of the berth 3 infrastructure.
"This announcement today is welcome news for all Tasmanians," the Premier said.
"We said we would fix the spirits, and that's exactly what we have done.
"I want to thank the new Chair Mr Ken Kanofski and project director Mr Paul Kirkwood for their hard work and dedication to getting this project on track.
"We also have many contractors on site, working tirelessly to pull out all stops to get this project delivered as quickly as possible and I thank them for their work."
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, provided the update to the Public Accounts Committee today, providing an update on the signing of a new contract between TT-Line and BMD.
"The Government is pleased that the vessels will be able to start operating earlier to support growth in our economy and tourism sector," Minister Abetz said.
"The new contract, which has a revised formal cost estimate of $493 million -determines a way forward that will deliver faster timelines, and improved project management.
"The Government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place."
Minister Abetz also provided an update on Spirit of Tasmania IV which is expected to depart Leith in Scotland for Australia on or around 26 May 2025.
The voyage is expected to take approximately 36 days, subject to weather, with an arrival into Hobart mid July 2025.
While in Hobart, the final fit out will be completed, this includes items such as mattresses and linen, artwork, some tabletops and signage.
Vessel familiarisation and specific training will be undertaken along with compliance testing of equipment such as the deployment of the Marine Evacuation Systems. This is expected to take 6-8 weeks.
TT-Line is currently considering lay-up berth options for Spirit of Tasmania IV for when these works in Hobart are concluded.
