NK MehtaAustralia’s transport safety watchdog has widened its investigation into Spirit of Tasmania steering issues. The move follows a failure of the primary steering system on Spirit of Tasmania IV during a passenger voyage on Thursday, 5 November. As a result, a tugboat escorted the brand-new ferry into Geelong as a precaution.
This is not the first problem with the new fleet, however. Just weeks earlier, Spirit of Tasmania V had its own steering trouble during a trial run. For travellers who rely on the Bass Strait crossing, these back-to-back incidents raise fair questions about the new ships.
What Happened on Spirit of Tasmania IV?
During Thursday’s voyage, the ship’s main steering system stopped working. The crew then switched to the backup system. Because no further backup remained, the operator called a tug to accompany the vessel into port.
TT-Line chief executive Chris Carbone explained this sequence at a Public Accounts Committee hearing on Friday. He also noted that the two steering systems are independent and come from different manufacturers. In other words, a fault in one should not affect the other.
The disruption left passengers about four hours behind schedule. Consequently, TT-Line chairman Ken Kanofski apologised to those on board. Still, he stressed that safety had to come before timetables. According to Kanofski, the captain stayed in control throughout, and passengers and crew were never at risk. Spirit IV returned to service overnight.
Why the ATSB Expanded Its Spirit of Tasmania Probe
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was already examining the Spirit V incident of 24 October. On that trial voyage, an autopilot-related steering problem briefly pushed the ship outside the charted shipping channel off Geelong.
Now, the Spirit IV failure has been folded into the same investigation. The ATSB says the broader probe will include:
- Downloading the voyage data recorders from both ships
- Examining onboard steering and related equipment
- Interviewing crew members and other relevant personnel
- Reviewing records and technical documentation
Notably, the bureau says incidents involving Australian-flagged passenger vessels are its top marine priority. That explains why investigators moved quickly to widen the scope.
Recent Spirit of Tasmania Incidents at a Glance
| Date | Vessel | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 October 2026 | Spirit of Tasmania I | Position error on electronic chart display | Master aborted entry into Port Phillip Bay; separate ATSB investigation |
| 24 October 2026 | Spirit of Tasmania V | Autopilot-related steering problem on trial voyage | Ship briefly left channel limits off Geelong; ATSB investigation opened |
| 5 November 2026 | Spirit of Tasmania IV | Primary steering system failed on passenger voyage | Backup used, tug escort to Geelong, four-hour delay; added to ATSB probe |
Are the New Spirit of Tasmania Ferries Safe?
TT-Line insists the new ships are safe. Carbone told the committee that every key operating system on board has full redundancy. Moreover, the company has hired an independent investigator to review both steering incidents.
That said, one important question remains open. So far, nobody knows whether the Spirit IV and Spirit V problems share the same root cause. Until investigators answer that, travellers will likely watch the fleet’s performance closely. Meanwhile, the redundancy design did work as intended on Thursday, since the backup system took over without harm.
What This Means for Bass Strait Travellers
For now, services continue as normal. Even so, it makes sense for passengers to plan with a little flexibility. A few practical steps can help:
- Check your booking status before leaving for the terminal
- Allow extra time for onward connections after arrival
- Sign up for operator alerts so delays reach you quickly
What Happens to the Older Spirit Ferries?
Spirit I and Spirit II have already left service under TT-Line’s delayed and over-budget fleet replacement program. Both older ships are currently berthed in Victoria while the operator looks for buyers.
Kanofski told the committee that talks are well advanced, particularly for one vessel. The committee heard that one ship may be sold by the end of December. The other could follow by mid-2027. Separately, the ATSB is still investigating the October navigation error on Spirit I, including whether a technical fault or human error played a part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Spirit of Tasmania IV steering failure?
The exact cause is not yet known. The primary steering system failed, and the ATSB and an independent investigator are now examining what went wrong.
Were any passengers hurt?
No. TT-Line says passengers and crew were safe at all times, and the captain remained in control of the ship.
Is Spirit of Tasmania IV still operating?
Yes. The ferry resumed service overnight after arriving in Geelong about four hours late.
Are the Spirit IV and Spirit V incidents connected?
That has not been confirmed. TT-Line says it is not yet clear whether both steering issues share the same root cause, which is one focus of the expanded investigation.
