Tasmanian government-owned operator TT-Line has reported a $646.9 million write-down of assets in its 2025/26 financial statement. Its two older ferries, more than 20 years old, are now valued at $87.5 million, down from $174.3 million. Chair Ken Kanofski blamed Middle East unrest, interest rates and the old ships' fuel use. The two new ferries, due to start Bass Strait crossings on October 31, have also fallen in value, as have the Devonport and Geelong terminals. The company recorded a $1.55 million profit and expects growth from the new vessels and facilities.
The operator of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries has reported a $723 million accounting loss for the year. Most of the loss comes from a $646.9 million write-down of its four ferries and two terminals. Chairman Ken Kanofski said the write-down is non-cash and does not affect the company's equity request or debt position. He said the outlook is very strong and that the company remains solvent. Spirit I and II are set to leave service, while the newer ships begin servicing Bass Strait at the end of the month.
TT-Line says a sale process is underway for the older Spirit I and II ferries, which stop sailing from October 24. The company ruled out mooring them in Tasmania, saying there are no berths there, and did not say where they would go. Labor infrastructure spokesperson Anita Dow criticised the government for going quiet on the sale and called for regular updates. Transport minister Kerry Vincent said the government is confident a deal will be secured as soon as possible.
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Noosa businessman James Hay and his wife Elena are well into a 15-month motorcycle journey to Europe. They have ridden thousands of kilometres through Australia, Timor-Leste and Indonesia. Ferry delays, challenging roads and Google Maps routes have tested them along the way. Highlights include swimming with whale sharks and watching a traditional buffalo race on Sumbawa. The couple are now in Bali, preparing to take a ferry to Java.
Brisbane City Council is looking into a pilot program that would fit ten double-decker CityCat ferries with licensed bars. The idea was inspired by Sydney ferries that serve alcohol. Councillor Andrew Wines said the plan is at an early stage and that licensing and responsible service of alcohol rules would be followed. Some residents criticised the proposal, and Labor's Lucy Collier said the council had the wrong priorities. The plan comes as CityCat operator RiverCity Ferries negotiates a new pay deal with ferry staff.
Terrigal MP Adam Crouch has raised concern that passengers are still waiting for Opal card access on Central Coast ferries. The delay comes almost six months after the State Labor Government awarded Central Coast Ferries the Opal contract.
