Yes, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V will be able to operate at full capacity when they commence service at Spirit Quay Devonport. The Geelong Port already has infrastructure in place to facilitate the larger ships. The new vessels feature increased passenger capacity, from 1,400 to 1,800 passengers, with an increase in cabins from 222 to 301. Vehicle lanes for both passengers and freight will expand by almost 60%, and, unlike the current ships, all vehicle lanes will offer extra height to accommodate caravans and campervans.

Spirit Quay Devonport is expected to be operational by late 2026. Site establishment works were completed in August 2024, with site earthworks begun in November 2024. Construction of marine foundation works will follow, and landside structures are will form the final stage of construction.

The new Spirit Quay site spans seven hectares, almost doubling the size of the current lease. Located on previously undeveloped land between SeaRoad Shipping and the Mersey Yacht Club, it will provide expanded operational areas designed to serve both passenger and freight customers.

Thanks to partnerships with three Tasmanian firms, BMD is creating significant local employment opportunities for this project. More than 50% of the work will be delivered by local partners, who have committed to employing additional apprentices and tradespeople specifically for the Spirit Quay development.

Spirit of Tasmania contracted a partnership known as Spirit Partners, comprising both national and Tasmanian companies, to relocate its Devonport base of operations to Spirit Quay Devonport. This partnership includes BMD Constructions, which successfully delivered Spirit of Tasmania’s Geelong Port facility. BMD is joined by Fitzgerald Constructions Australia (who also worked with BMD on the Geelong project) and local Tasmanian companies BridgePro Engineering, Gradco, and Vos Constructions.