Pile driving works have begun at Berth 3, marking the beginning of construction for the main vehicle ramp.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said this work represents an important step forward in delivering the ramp infrastructure needed for the new Spirits.
"Tasmanian company Bridgepro Engineering, one of three Tasmanian firms involved in the Spirits Partnership, has begun driving 100 piles for the project's fixed shore ramp," Premier Rockliff said.
"The piles range from eight to 15-metres in length and the work is being completed by a 25-metre-tall drilling rig that has been mobilised to the site.
"About 60 per cent of the pile driving work is expected to be completed by Christmas, subject to geotechnical conditions and weather."
Spirit Partners comprises BMD Constructions and Fitzgerald Constructions Australia, who delivered Spirit of Tasmania's Geelong Port facility, together with Bridgepro Engineering and Tasmanian companies Gradco and Vos Constructions.
Through the partnership with the three Tasmanian firms, Spirit Partners will bring local employment opportunities to the project with more than 50 per cent will be delivered by the local partners.
"We have said we will sort the Spirits, and that's exactly what we are doing," Premier Rockliff said.
"We are also backing our tourism industry."
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz said we are also delivering extra sailings on the current Spirits over the peak season, as promised.
"Eight extra sailings have been added to the schedule over January, February, April, and May 2025, and this is on top of the 20 additional sailings added in April, September and October 2025.
"As a result of the additional sailings, plus TT-Line's work to rearrange its vehicle decks to optimise the availability of high space from January to April 2025, more than 300 vehicles have been cleared from the waitlist.
"We know there is demand for people travelling with caravans and high vehicles, and these actions are helping to boost patronage and increase capacity for freight.
"Spirit of Tasmania advises that, by early next week, waitlist bookings will drop to below 100, which is fantastic for our tourism sector and our economy."
