Victorian terminal opening a first step for Spirit of Tasmania

That's according to Mike Grainger, chairman of Spirit operator TT-Line.

On the inaugural sailing to Geelong, which departed Devonport on Saturday night with special guests including Premier Jeremy Rockliff aboard, and on arrival on Sunday morning, Mr Grainger was, pardon the pun, in high spirits.

Spirit of Tasmania I had made an "historical voyage ... on that will be in the history books for a long time to come", he said.

Mr Grainger told a large crowd gathered for the official opening of the new terminal and facilities that "a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this project".

"The first time we were here it was really just an empty shed," he said.

"To see it today brings a lot of satisfaction."

GOING FOR GROWTH

The $135 million, purpose-built terminal and associated facilities was among the best for roll-on, roll-off passenger ferries in the world, Mr Grainger said.

Moving to Geelong - and ending a 37-year relationship with Melbourne's Station Pier - was partially motivated by higher port fees, but there were more benefits, he said.

While the dollar amounts were commercial in-confidence, TT-Line had "an advantageous deal" with the Port of Geelong, Mr Grainger said, and a 30-year lease.

At the same time, the Bass Strait shipper had "run out of space, run out of ideas" in Melbourne.

The facilities in Geelong would be an improvement for passengers and logistics companies alike, he said.

Up to 300 cars can park under cover at the terminal, which also boasts a cafe, while there is improved freight handling, including 24-hour access.

State-of-the-art technology, including an automated mooring system, would help make possible an "extraordinary" turnaroud time of just 30 minutes, Mr Grainger said.

GEELONG'S GAIN

For Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles the terminal opening was a chance to crow about his home city, with a not too subtle dig at the neighbours.

Mr Marles is the Member for Corio, named for Corio Bay, on the shores of which is the Geelong port and its newly named Spirit of Tasmania Quay.

"Today is a great day for Geelong, today is a great day for the Port of Geelong, our oldest industry - the reason it is where it is," he said.

"The real winners are Tasmanians because they'll be arriving at the cultural centre, the true heart of Victoria. But for a dodgy map Geelong should have been the capital."

LOVING THE SPIRITS

There was much affection for the ships too.

"Tasmanians are madly in love with our two magnificent ships and I know Geelong will fall in love with these ships too," Mr Rockliff said.

Mr Marles added: "We look forward to this spectacular red ship becoming a feature every morning and every evening in our beautiful bay."

There was no sign that the move to Geelong was abating the wider community's love affair, with strong demand.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson revealed the latest advice from TT-Line was that forward bookings indicated the Spirits were on track to break the pre-COVID record year of 2018-19 for passengers carried.

"We can hope we can achieve that and we will be working hard to promote this service," Mr Ferguson said.

SHIPS ON SCHEDULE

Labor leader Rebecca White could not help having a stab at the government on the occasion, but was given short shrift by the premier.

"The government has completely botched the replacement of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, with their delivery date blowing out to 2024 while Tasmanians struggle to get on board the existing ferries," Ms White said.

She recounted the history of delays since the Liberal government promised before the 2018 election to deliver new ferries in 2021.

Asked for a response, Mr Rockliff said he could not believe the opposition leader would make such comments on such a "fantastic day".

"When it comes to the new ships, they will be delivered in 2024," he said.

"Today is a day of celebration ... acknowledging brave decisions."

Mr Grainger said the ships were on schedule in line with the contract with the builder, Finland's Rauma Marine Constructions.

TURN LEFT, NOT RIGHT

It's long been seen as a challenge in the North-West to encourage visitors arriving in Devonport on the Spirits to turn right rather than left to enjoy the wider region.

Now it seems that the Greater City of Geelong will face a similar question, albeit in reverse, though its bullish about the opportunity to attract more visitors.

Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said it was an understatement to say his community was thrilled to be hosting the new terminal.

Councillor Murrihy said the Port of Geelong had estimated it would bring an extra $57 million in economic activity to the region and $174 million to Victoria by 2029-30.

Hospitality and tourism operators were "licking their lips in anticipation", he said.

For Tasmanians arriving in Geelong to begin their interstate holidays, the mayor said there was good reason to "turn left rather than right" towards Melbourne.

"We've got the beautiful waterfront, the Bellarine Peninsula where you can visit the wineries, and if you go a little extra farther you can't go past the Great Ocean Road," Councillor Murrihy said.

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