A massive Australian ferry, built at a cost of £218 million, is set to be mothballed in Edinburgh, Scotland, after it was discovered to be too large for its intended home port.
The 212-meter-long vessel, commissioned by TT-Line, the Tasmanian government-owned ferry operator, is unable to dock at the ports of Devonport, Tasmania, and Melbourne, Victoria.
This costly miscalculation has led to an unusual solution. The oversized ferry, which has been anchored in Singapore since its delivery, will now make a 7,500-mile journey to Edinburgh.
The Scottish capital’s port facilities can accommodate the vessel, making it a suitable temporary home while TT-Line explores potential solutions to the docking issue.
The ferry is expected to arrive in Edinburgh in late November, where it will undergo mothballing – a process to preserve the ship and prevent deterioration while it remains out of service.
This situation highlights the critical importance of thorough planning and precise measurements in shipbuilding and port infrastructure projects
While this situation presents challenges for the Australian authorities, it could potentially create unique business opportunities in Scotland.
The presence of this advanced vessel in Edinburgh for an extended period could open doors for local businesses in areas such as:
- Marine services and maintenance
- Hospitality and tourism, if parts of the ship become accessible for visits or events
- Technical and engineering consultancy to address the vessel’s issues
- Training opportunities for Scottish maritime personnel on a state-of-the-art ship
Bernard Dwyer, TT-Line chief executive, said: “To ensure the vessel’s safety and preservation, we will temporarily relocate it to Leith, Scotland, where conditions are more suitable.”
“This move is necessary, as the vessel is not designed for the extremely low ambient temperatures anticipated in Rauma.”
As the ferry prepares for its unexpected Scottish sojourn, the Tasmanian government and TT-Line face the challenging task of finding a long-term solution.
Options may include extensive port modifications in Tasmania and Melbourne or potentially selling the vessel to recoup some of the substantial costs incurred.
