The start date for two new larger Bass Strait ferries has been pushed further back, with vital berth upgrades several years behind an already delayed schedule.
Cost blowouts, finger pointing between state-owned companies and slow infrastructure builds have plagued the delivery of the $900 million-plus replacement Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
Tasmania's government on Thursday announced a new terminal in Devonport, needed for the vessels to berth, wouldn't be ready until February 2027.
That is more than two years behind the initial schedule and about 12 months later than the most recent estimate.
In a best-case scenario, the berth could be ready by October 2026, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
The first ship is set to arrive in Tasmania from Finland in coming weeks, with Mr Rockliff saying the vessel would likely be leased out until the new berth is ready.
It has been revealed in recent months the Devonport upgrades wouldn't be ready in time for the arrival of the first new ship.
"This situation we are in is extremely regrettable, but Tasmanians want us to deliver a solution," Mr Rockliff said.
A proposal to modify an existing berth in Devonport, to allow the vessels to begin work before the new berth is finished, has been scrapped over safety concerns.
A review of the Spirit of Tasmania infrastructure, released on Thursday, found the plan would cost $60 million and risked ships colliding.
"Ultimately, any financial investment into (temporary berths) would outweigh the benefits of bringing forward the timeline," Transport Minister Eric Abetz said.
"It is still planned that the vessels will come to Tasmania for finalisation of fit-out."
The state government will also explore leasing the second new ferry, which is expected to be delivered by the second half of 2025.
If leasing doesn't deliver financial benefits, a "cost-effective, medium-term" storage option in Tasmania will be explored.
The government has attempted to soften the blow on the tourism industry with a suite of measures, including $6 million to subsidise passenger fares and provide additional day sailings for the current two ships.
The ferry saga has dominated politics in Tasmania, which is governed by the Liberals in minority.
Michael Ferguson resigned as deputy premier and treasurer on October 14 when faced with the prospect of losing a no-confidence vote over his handling of the project as infrastructure minister.
The former head of Spirit of Tasmania operator TT-Line, Michael Grainger, launched a scathing attack on the government after being removed from the position.
He said state-owned ports operator TasPorts didn't allow TT-Line access to conduct geotechnical work as part of the new berth build.
