Spirit of Tasmania V has arrived in Hobart and will be opened to the public as an unusual arts venue during this year’s Dark Mofo festival, giving visitors a chance to explore the new vessel before it enters service.
The ship’s two freight decks will host a series of large-scale art installations across two festival weekends from 11 to 14 June and 18 to 21 June, transforming part of the vessel into an exhibition space rarely accessible to the public.
The arrival marks another chapter in the ongoing commissioning of the new Spirit of Tasmania fleet, while also providing a prominent platform for one of Tasmania’s best-known winter events.
Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, said the vessel’s participation added a distinctive element to the festival program and highlighted the ship’s future role in connecting Tasmania with mainland Australia.
“Dark Mofo is one of Tasmania’s most iconic events, attracting visitors from interstate and overseas while also drawing Tasmanians from every corner of the state and we are thrilled Spirit of Tasmania V will play a unique role in this year’s festival,” Mr Vincent said.
He said events such as Dark Mofo help support tourism and local businesses during the quieter winter period.
The partnership between festival organisers and TT-Line allows visitors to view parts of the vessel before it begins carrying passengers and freight across Bass Strait.
TT-Line Chief Executive Officer Chris Carbone said the company was pleased to work with Dark Mofo while the vessel remains berthed in Hobart.
General Manager Tom Wootton said the arrangement would give the public an opportunity to experience the ship firsthand while supporting an event that attracts visitors to Tasmania during winter.
Five artworks will be displayed aboard the vessel, including Chunxiao Qu’s illuminated installation There’s Nothing Left to Pray For, video works by Berna Reale and Regina José Galindo, the roaming robotic dog installation Perros Chaos by Lolo & Sosaku, and Arthur Jafa’s APEX, a visual montage accompanied by a techno soundtrack.
Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite said the ship’s large vehicle decks provided a rare opportunity to present works at a scale not usually possible within the festival.
“Extending the festival onto Spirit of Tasmania V’s cavernous vehicle decks means we have been able to showcase some incredible artworks, at scale, in a unique space that we would not ordinarily have access to,” Mr Twite said.
Beyond its role in the festival, work continues to prepare the vessel for service. Local businesses have contributed to the fit-out, including the manufacture of more than 1,100 mattresses in Glenorchy, Tasmanian timber furniture, locally produced artwork and signage, and pet facilities.
Further upgrades to passenger and crew cabins are also underway, alongside final commissioning work on a range of onboard systems.
The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels have been designed specifically for Bass Strait conditions and include features such as upgraded stabiliser fins, food and beverage outlets, cinemas, retail facilities and pet cabins. Once operational, they will operate on the route between Devonport and Geelong, a journey of approximately 242 kilometres.
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