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Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Australian 'fiasco' ferry leaves Edinburgh after months docked in Forth
On Thursday morning, June 19, the Spirit of Tasmania IV ship was pictured leaving the city after arriving in Edinburgh at the end of last year. An Australian ferry that was docked for months in Edinburgh has finally set sail from the capital. On Thursday morning, June 19, the Spirit of Tasmania IV ship was spotted leaving Leith docks, reports Edinburgh Live. In December it was reported how the ship was set to be berthed in Edinburgh until next year, after it was discovered to be too big for its intended ports Down Under. Operator TT-Line confirmed it had been engaging with a broker to lease the ferry, although an agreement was not reached. The Tasmanian government then ordered the operator to relocate the 212-metre vessel. It was initially moved to Scotland after fears it could be damaged by pack ice. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The situation sparked a political row in Australia after it was feared a new berth to accommodate the shop, and it's sister vessel Spirit of Tasmania V, may not be ready until late 2026 or 2027. The new Spirit of Tasmania ships have a gross tonnage of 48,000 and have the capacity to hold 1,800 passengers. The vessel is home to 301 new cabins, 118 standard recliners and 47 business recliners. Tasmania's infrastructure minister, Michael Ferguson, and the chairman of ferry operator TT-Line, which is state-owned, resigned due to the controversy in August. TT-Line was paying A$47,534 (£24,031) per week to berth the ship at Forth Ports, according to figures published by the Tasmanian government. In March it was reported there was a possibility of the ferry being used to house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland. However the Scottish government quickly dismissed this saying: "This is not true and we have no plans to lease this or any other vessel for this purpose." Tasmania's transport minister Eric Abetz said that the government had done all it could to secure a lease that would benefit Tasmanians. He said: "We had an opportunity to secure an agreement worth tens of millions of dollars for the Tasmanian taxpayer, and it would have been economically irresponsible not to explore this. "Previous similar leases provided more than €50m (£41.2m) to vessel owners, and it was prudent that we sought similar arrangements for Tasmanian taxpayers. "The relentless negativity is hurting the state's economic opportunities, and it's time to move forward together."
Edinburgh Live
19-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Australian 'fiasco' ferry leaves Edinburgh after months docked in the capital
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A huge Australian ferry has finally left Edinburgh after months in the capital. On Thursday morning, June 19, the Spirit of Tasmania IV ship was pictured leaving Leith docks. In December we reported how the ship was set to be berthed in the capital until 2026 after it was found to be too big for its intended ports Down Under. Operator TT-Line said it had been engaging with a broker to lease the ferry, although an agreement could not be reached. The Tasmanian government then ordered the operator to relocate the 212-metre vessel. It was originally moved to Scotland due to fears it could be damaged by pack ice. The saga sparked a political row in Australia after a new berth to accommodate the shop, and its sister vessel Spirit of Tasmania V, may not be ready until late 2026 or 2027. The new Spirit of Tasmania ships have a gross tonnage of 48,000 and have a capacity of 1,800 passengers. The vessel features 301 new cabins, 118 standard recliners and 47 business recliners. Tasmania's infrastructure minister, Michael Ferguson, and the chairman of ferry operator TT-Line, which is state-owned, resigned due to the controversy in August. TT-Line was paying A$47,534 (£24,031) per week to berth the ship at Forth Ports, according to figures published by the Tasmanian government. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. In March we reported there was a possibility of the ferry being used to house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland. However the Scottish government quickly dismissed this saying: "This is not true and we have no plans to lease this or any other vessel for this purpose." Tasmania's transport minister Eric Abetz said that the government had done all it could to secure a lease that would benefit Tasmanians. He said: "We had an opportunity to secure an agreement worth tens of millions of dollars for the Tasmanian taxpayer, and it would have been economically irresponsible not to explore this. "Previous similar leases provided more than €50m (£41.2m) to vessel owners, and it was prudent that we sought similar arrangements for Tasmanian taxpayers. "The relentless negativity is hurting the state's economic opportunities, and it's time to move forward together."
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Tasmania announces snap election following no-confidence motion in Premier Jeremy Rockliff
Tasmanians will go to the polls on July 19 after the embattled Liberal premier's request for an early election was granted. Jeremy Rockliff returned to Government House on Wednesday evening to meet with Governor Barbara Baker, six days after he lost the confidence of the parliament. In a statement after the meeting, Ms Baker confirmed she would dissolve parliament and issue the writ for an election to be held on July 19. It will be the fourth state election in seven years after early polls were also held in 2021 and 2024. 'Notwithstanding the recent 2024 election, the public interest in avoiding the cost of another election and the prevailing public mood against holding an election, I have granted Premier Rockliff a dissolution,' Ms Baker said in the statement. 'I make this grant because I am satisfied that there is no real possibility that an alternative government can be formed.' Rockliff has resisted pressure to resign and insisted the backing of his partyroom remains solid, despite reports former senator Eric Abetz and ex-deputy premier Michael Ferguson were willing to be leader. 'I have a commitment from my team to support me as leader and I am not going anywhere,' he said earlier on Wednesday. Rockliff denied he was 'driven by ego' in not standing aside from leading the minority government. Liberal MP Jacquie Petrusma didn't directly answer when asked if the party was doing numbers to roll Mr Rockliff. 'The premier is a fantastic leader and he has 100 per cent support of the PLP (parliamentary Liberal Party),' she said. Ms Baker also met Labor leader Dean Winter on Wednesday afternoon. Labor, which has just 10 of 35 lower-house seats, had said it would not look to form a minority government with the Greens. 'In that meeting (with the governor) I reiterated my position that Labor will not be doing a deal with the Greens,' Winter said. Labor, whose no-confidence motion against Rockliff was backed by the Greens and three crossbench independents, had called on the premier to step down. 'We've gotten to this point because of Jeremy Rockliff and his refusal to resign,' Labor MP Shane Broad said. 'I come from a farm and no matter how much you love that old sheep dog, if you can't round up sheep anymore it's time to get a new one.' Rockliff claimed the no-confidence motion was a deceptive power grab, while Labor says it was because of the Liberals' poor budget and project mismanagement. Winter, cited growing state debt, a intention to slash public sector jobs and a sell-off of state assets as the reasons for having no confidence in Rockliff's leadership. The premier took a crack at Winter for failing to 'front up' and hold a press conference on Wednesday. The Liberals had already appeared to be in fully fledged campaign mode, visiting a hospital to announce a four-year elective surgery plan. They were returned to power in March 2024, winning 14 seats and cobbling together enough support from the crossbench to govern.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Botched' Bass Strait ferries suffer new cost blowout
People will be able to sail Bass Strait on a new ferry from the end of 2026, according to a state government which has revealed a further cost blowout to the already-delayed ships. Delivery of the two new larger Spirit of Tasmania vessels has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. One of the two ships has been in Scotland since December because an upgraded port at Devonport in Tasmania hasn't been built. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the project. The government had previously flagged the new Devonport berth would be ready between October 2026 and February 2027. On Friday, it said construction would be finished by October 2026 and the vessels would be operational for the 2026/27 summer. The price tag has continued to blow out, to $493 million from the most-recent estimate of $375 million. It was originally slated to cost $90 million. The ships, one of which is in Finland undergoing sea trials, were originally meant to get to Tasmania in late 2024. Tourism companies and businesses that prepared for a greater influx of people have criticised the government for delays. "The government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place," Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. The ship in Scotland will arrive in Hobart in mid-July where it will undergo a final fit-out expected to take two months. TT-Line, which operates the ferries, is considering where to berth the ship in Hobart once it is fully complete. The government tried unsuccessfully to lease the ship during its stay in Scotland. People will be able to sail Bass Strait on a new ferry from the end of 2026, according to a state government which has revealed a further cost blowout to the already-delayed ships. Delivery of the two new larger Spirit of Tasmania vessels has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. One of the two ships has been in Scotland since December because an upgraded port at Devonport in Tasmania hasn't been built. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the project. The government had previously flagged the new Devonport berth would be ready between October 2026 and February 2027. On Friday, it said construction would be finished by October 2026 and the vessels would be operational for the 2026/27 summer. The price tag has continued to blow out, to $493 million from the most-recent estimate of $375 million. It was originally slated to cost $90 million. The ships, one of which is in Finland undergoing sea trials, were originally meant to get to Tasmania in late 2024. Tourism companies and businesses that prepared for a greater influx of people have criticised the government for delays. "The government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place," Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. The ship in Scotland will arrive in Hobart in mid-July where it will undergo a final fit-out expected to take two months. TT-Line, which operates the ferries, is considering where to berth the ship in Hobart once it is fully complete. The government tried unsuccessfully to lease the ship during its stay in Scotland. People will be able to sail Bass Strait on a new ferry from the end of 2026, according to a state government which has revealed a further cost blowout to the already-delayed ships. Delivery of the two new larger Spirit of Tasmania vessels has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. One of the two ships has been in Scotland since December because an upgraded port at Devonport in Tasmania hasn't been built. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the project. The government had previously flagged the new Devonport berth would be ready between October 2026 and February 2027. On Friday, it said construction would be finished by October 2026 and the vessels would be operational for the 2026/27 summer. The price tag has continued to blow out, to $493 million from the most-recent estimate of $375 million. It was originally slated to cost $90 million. The ships, one of which is in Finland undergoing sea trials, were originally meant to get to Tasmania in late 2024. Tourism companies and businesses that prepared for a greater influx of people have criticised the government for delays. "The government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place," Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. The ship in Scotland will arrive in Hobart in mid-July where it will undergo a final fit-out expected to take two months. TT-Line, which operates the ferries, is considering where to berth the ship in Hobart once it is fully complete. The government tried unsuccessfully to lease the ship during its stay in Scotland. People will be able to sail Bass Strait on a new ferry from the end of 2026, according to a state government which has revealed a further cost blowout to the already-delayed ships. Delivery of the two new larger Spirit of Tasmania vessels has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. One of the two ships has been in Scotland since December because an upgraded port at Devonport in Tasmania hasn't been built. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the project. The government had previously flagged the new Devonport berth would be ready between October 2026 and February 2027. On Friday, it said construction would be finished by October 2026 and the vessels would be operational for the 2026/27 summer. The price tag has continued to blow out, to $493 million from the most-recent estimate of $375 million. It was originally slated to cost $90 million. The ships, one of which is in Finland undergoing sea trials, were originally meant to get to Tasmania in late 2024. Tourism companies and businesses that prepared for a greater influx of people have criticised the government for delays. "The government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place," Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. The ship in Scotland will arrive in Hobart in mid-July where it will undergo a final fit-out expected to take two months. TT-Line, which operates the ferries, is considering where to berth the ship in Hobart once it is fully complete. The government tried unsuccessfully to lease the ship during its stay in Scotland.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Botched' Bass Strait ferries suffer new cost blowout
People will be able to sail Bass Strait on a new ferry from the end of 2026, according to a state government which has revealed a further cost blowout to the already-delayed ships. Delivery of the two new larger Spirit of Tasmania vessels has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. One of the two ships has been in Scotland since December because an upgraded port at Devonport in Tasmania hasn't been built. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the project. The government had previously flagged the new Devonport berth would be ready between October 2026 and February 2027. On Friday, it said construction would be finished by October 2026 and the vessels would be operational for the 2026/27 summer. The price tag has continued to blow out, to $493 million from the most-recent estimate of $375 million. It was originally slated to cost $90 million. The ships, one of which is in Finland undergoing sea trials, were originally meant to get to Tasmania in late 2024. Tourism companies and businesses that prepared for a greater influx of people have criticised the government for delays. "The government is confident it now has the right people and robust project governance, discipline and controls in place," Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. The ship in Scotland will arrive in Hobart in mid-July where it will undergo a final fit-out expected to take two months. TT-Line, which operates the ferries, is considering where to berth the ship in Hobart once it is fully complete. The government tried unsuccessfully to lease the ship during its stay in Scotland.
