HOLD UP: Delays have hit the launch of a new ferry between Australia and Tasmania.
The Spirit of Tasmania IV, a newly-built vessel for the crossing between Geelong in Australia and Devonport in Tasmania, was delivered in September following construction at Rauma Marine in Finland.
But it will be transferred to Leith in Scotland and potentially not reach the southern hemisphere for at least two years, according to The Maritime Executive.
Its says that layup is caused by a delay in the construction of a dock in Devonport, Australia, which won't be ready until 2026-7.
Tasmania's government has discussed the possibility of leasing the vessel to a third party for two years, putting the ship in operation and earning revenue until the dock is ready.
According to Maritime Executive, her sister ship Spirit of Tasmania V was launched in July and is still in outfitting.
ABC News in Australia has explored possibility of other ports being used in Tasmania rather than both of the new ships being being used elsewhere.
When both ships finally enter service, they will replace the Spirit of Tasmania I and II.
The newbuilds have a capacity of 6,400 dwt, 4,100 lane-meters of ro/ro space and 1,800 passengers.
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