Peter Simmons, Chief Executive of Spirit of Tasmania, today announced the delivery of Spirit of Tasmania III to TT-Line Company Pty Ltd was confirmed for 30th September 2003 in Greece.

Mr Simmons said the vessel would stay docked in Greece for around ten days while delivery works were performed and would then leave for Tasmania.

Spirit of Tasmania III is expected to arrive in Hobart by the end of October where she will be berthed at Macquarie No 6 wharf. The ship will have travelled via the Suez Canal to Fremantle, and then on to Hobart.

While berthed in Hobart, work on she ship will include building 32 new crew cabins, modifications to the deck 8 open area, changes to the restaurant and bar areas and upgrades to some passenger accommodation.

Mr Simmons said bookings for Spirit of Tasmania III were going strongly with over 6,000 received and forward bookings for Spirit of Tasmania I and II up eight per cent on the same time last year.

Spirit of Tasmania has awarded the contract for building the new crew cabin area to Taylor Brothers of Hobart.

�Taylor Brothers has been involved in the major development onboard Spirit of Tasmania I and II to develop a new business class seating area at the rear of deck 8,� said Mr Simmons. �The company has produced first class work and is on schedule to complete these works mid November.�

The new contract worth around $3m is recognition of the quality of work produced by Taylor Brothers. Contracts for other areas of work for Spirit of Tasmania III will be let in due course to other suitably qualified businesses.

For bookings or enquiries, customers can contact Spirit of Tasmania on 1800 777 462.