Ferry sets date for Geelong move

THE Spirit of Tasmania will dock at Geelong from October 23, the carrier has announced.

Parent company TT-Line confirmed the new date this week for its services to arrive at a purpose-built terminal at Corio Quay.

The Spirit of Tasmania first announced plans to move its Victorian base to Geelong from Port Melbourne’s Station Pier in 2020, with first ships to arrive from Devonport within five months.

“The final sailing from Melbourne will depart Station Pier on the evening of Saturday 22 October 2022, and the first sailing will arrive in Geelong at Spirit of Tasmania Quay on the morning of Sunday 23 October 2022,” a TT-Line statement said.

Major construction of the new Spirit of Tasmania passenger and freight terminal started in November last year.

The $135 million, 12-hectare facility includes construction of berth infrastructure with a three-level boarding ramp, a terminal building with passenger lounges and a cafe and parking access.

The Spirit of Tasmania has a 30-year lease with GeelongPort for its passenger terminal.

City of Greater Geelong financial modelling has estimated the ferry move to be worth $174 million in tourism dollars by 2029, while creating new opportunities for hospitality, agribusiness and logistics services.