In short:

Spirit of Tasmania IV has arrived in Geelong four hours late after suffering from a steering issue and requiring a tugboat escort through Port Phillip Bay.

Ferry operator TT-Line said a “fault” was identified “as the vessel was preparing to transit through Port Phillip Heads”.

What’s next?

It comes as transport safety authorities investigate a “steering issue” on the second of the new ferries, Spirit V, during a trial voyage two weeks ago.