00:00A first glimpse, through mist and rain, of Tasmania's new Bass Strait Ferry.
00:08Locals braved the weather at Devonport's Mersey Bluff to see the long-awaited Spirit 4.
00:14We're in the spirit!
00:16The kids are very excited. What did you think of the ship?
00:19It was very cool.
00:20I loved it!
00:22I've seen the finish of the Empress, I've seen the able Tasman, and now a new spirit.
00:28While the reception was warm, the new ferries' travel journey is no secret.
00:33It's sad, isn't it? I mean, we're not going to get it for one another at least another 12 months.
00:37Have they got anywhere to park it?
00:38It's been a shambles, hasn't it, really?
00:40The process to replace the current Bass Strait ferries began in 2017 and was expected to be completed by 2021.
00:48But the original shipbuilder went bust, and the cost and completion date of the new ships blew out.
00:55Then it was revealed construction of facilities for them to berth in Devonport was over budget and years behind schedule.
01:02So this first new ferry had to spend six months at a Scottish port, costing $4.3 million and creating a global spectacle.
01:12A tale of another ferry fiasco.
01:15The spirits replacement fiasco forced the Minister in charge of the project to resign from Cabinet.
01:21But the Devonport Mayor is looking forward to the benefits the new ferries will bring.
01:25This is a real positive. The people are here to celebrate that beautiful ship that is going to make a huge difference to Tasmania.
01:33Those on board are also looking forward to smoother sailing.
01:37As we came across the Great Australian Bight in winter a couple of nights ago, Force Nine Gale with eight metres seas and she handled it beautifully.
01:51It'll be more than a year before the people of Devonport see this ship go in and out of the city, so for now it's bon voyage.
01:58Spirit 4 is expected to dock in Hobart tomorrow, where it'll be given a final fit out.
02:07Peace!
02:12down
02:15λΆ
02:19of
02:25wasn't
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