Spirit of Tasmania IV has arrived at its home port of Devonport for the first time for operational commissioning works and training.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it was the first time the new ship and terminal were brought together for operational readiness.
"The process confirms the port operates safely and reliably under operational conditions," Premier Rockliff said.
"Our new Spirit of Tasmania vessels will be a game changer for Bass Strait travel and freight.
"The ships and the terminal are inter-generational investments for the State that will deliver significant benefits to the tourism and freight markets, increasing capacity by 40 per cent.
"I want to thank TT-Line's Board and leadership team for their work to deliver the project, and very much look forward to seeing both vessels operating on the Mersey River in October."
TT-Line Chairman Ken Kanofski said the company was excited about the ship's arrival into Devonport.
"We have a team of dedicated and highly committed people working hard over the next two days on the operational commissioning," he said.
"This includes real-world commissioning and training of the systems and equipment that connect our ships to the terminal.
"We will confirm each connection operates safely and reliably under operational conditions."
Mr Kanofski said the Spirit of Tasmania vessels were the first new builds purchased by TT-Line and would have a lifespan on Bass Strait of more than 25-years.
"The vessels were designed and built with Bass Strait in mind – featuring an enhanced hull design and large stabiliser fins to ensure optimal passenger comfort during their 242-kilometre voyage between Devonport and Geelong," he said.
Meanwhile, the terminal and berth project remain on track to be completed in October 2026.
"The new Spirit Quay, Terminal 3 Devonport will be an iconic gateway in and out of our state for countless numbers of visitors and freight," Mr Kanofski said.
The Tasmanian Government is delivering for Tasmania by future-proofing tourism and freight demand with the new Spirit of Tasmania ships and their Tasmanian home port.
Spirit of Tasmania IV and V dimensions compared to Spirit of Tasmania I and II
Length: 212 metres (195 metres)
Beam: 31 metres (25 metres)
Height: 50 metres (46 metres)
Speed: 26 knots (48 km/h) (similar to current ships)
Lane metres: 4,098 metres (2,565 lane metres)
Passenger beds: 1138 in 301 cabins (750 in 222 cabins)
New executive recliners: 47 plus 2 allocated spaces for wheelchairs
Standard recliners: 118 plus 4 allocated spaces for wheelchairs (121)
