Two new, purpose-built Spirit of Tasmania ferry vessels will be delivered two years ahead of schedule in 2021.
Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said the next-generation vessels for TT-Line would be more than 30 per cent larger than the current Spirits when delivered to the Australian state.
Passenger capacity for the 429-kilometre Bass Strait journey is expected to increase by 43 per cent and freight capacity by 39 per cent. This equates to an additional 500 visitors, 115 more passenger vehicles and 85 extra freight trailers.
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said TT-Line had shortlisted a number of international shipyards and was expected to sign a contract in the first half of 2018. The vessels will be homeported at Devonport.