Spirit of Tasmania arrives at new home in Geelong

The Spirit of Tasmania has started a new era of Bass Strait transport with the ferry service’s inaugural arrival at its new Geelong quay today (Sunday, October 23).

The service departed Port Melbourne’s Station Pier for Devonport for the last time late yesterday (Saturday, October 22), and the first inbound ferry arrived at the purpose-built terminal at GeelongPort at about 8am today.

The new terminal is fitted with cutting-edge technology and exceptional facilities for an enhanced travel experience, including easy access and ample parking, undercover areas for vehicles, seamless boarding and security processes, and comfortable passenger lounge with a café and children’s play area.

Designed with longevity in mind, the innovative three-level access ramp will service both Spirit of Tasmania’s existing ships and two larger vessels due to arrive in 2024.

“The company has been very much looking forward to moving to Geelong from Station Pier, Port Melbourne since the decision to relocate our Victorian operations was first made,” Spirit of Tasmania chair Michael Grainger said.

“Equally, the company has been very pleased to see up close the progress on construction since site preparation works began in 2020 for the new passenger and freight terminal, which was officially opened today.”

GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter said the project was a significant and exciting undertaking for Victoria’s second-largest city.

“We thank Spirit of Tasmania for selecting Geelong as its new home.

“Since the announcement in 2020 we have worked hard to transform a blank canvas into a world-class economic and tourism precinct.”

Projections indicating the move will increase tourism expenditure in Geelong by $57.3 million, and in Victoria by $174.1 million before 2030.

Mr Winter said Spirit of Tasmania Quay featured world-first technology.

“Through this project we introduced new engineering innovations to the region, including a world first three-level access ramp fabricated right here in Geelong and an Automated Mooring System that allows vessels to be berthed with the push of a button.”

He thanked all key partners for their support on what was a very complex construction project.
“Together with our employees, project partners, contractors and community members we have created something really special,” he said.

The precinct features culturally significant artwork and themes co-designed with the Wadawarrung Traditional Owners Group.

“Our team worked closely with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Group throughout the project and we’re extremely proud of the local Indigenous art and themes on display to welcome visitors to our region,” Mr Winter said.

Mr Grainger said the Spirit of Tasmania team had enjoyed seeing the precinct evolve in the lead up to the first official arrival and thanked GeelongPort and the countless number of contractors who contributed to the project’s success.

“Beyond the excellent work undertaken on the project by both the Spirit of Tasmania and GeelongPort project teams, our first arrival into Geelong did not disappoint,” he said.

“The move to Geelong represents a once in a generation opportunity for Spirit of Tasmania to further enhance the experience of our passengers.

“The new port home is expected to lead to increased passenger growth from markets in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, as well as increased passenger growth from regional Victoria.

“This expected growth will ultimately benefit Tasmania but we know that the move will also bring great benefits to Geelong and the surrounding regions, particularly for tourism operators.”

He said it was also important to consider the move to Geelong alongside the investment the company was making in two new vessels, Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V.

“We are not only securing the future of the company, but Tasmania’s visitor economy and the broader economy,” he said.

Spirit of Tasmania’s freight business is also set to benefit from the move to Geelong.

The new freight yard will enable cargo pick up and drop off at any time, day or night, and will greatly assist to alleviate the freight constraints of Station Pier, which required freight to be collected immediately on discharge.

The new facility is also located within 40 minutes from 80 per cent of the ferry service’s Victorian-based freight customers and 55 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.