Last month, Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) launched and christened the ‘Spirit of Tasmania IV’, under construction for the Tasmanian TT-Line.
The ship is the first of two identical ropaxes that will replace similar Finnish-built sisterships.
Once delivered, they will operate on the challenging route across the Bass Strait between Geelong, Victoria, and Devonport, Tasmania. They were specially designed for this route.
Her keel laying at RMC was celebrated exactly a year ago in October, 2022. The construction of her sistership, ‘Spirit of Tasmania V’, was started with the traditional steel cutting ceremony in December, 2022.
“We are excited to start a new phase in the construction of the vessel as the work shifts from building the ship’s hull to interior work and systems implementation. This also means that we are able to start constructing the second vessel’s hull in the construction pool,” said Johanna Kaijo, Spirit of Tasmania’s Project Manager at RMC.
After the launch, the work will move from hull construction to equipment assembly and interior work. The focus will be on completing the plumbing and electrics, as well as the hotel area’s interior design. In addition, the work around the vessel’s engine room and car deck will continue.
The equipment assembly phase will also continue with the implementation of various systems, culminating in sea trials conducted before she is handed over.
TT-Line is a significant player in maritime transport between mainland Australia and Tasmania, and this project marks the biggest individual foreign sale between Australia and Finland.
The company employs over 600 people and transports over 450,000 passengers annually. Spirit of Tasmania is widely recognised for its contribution to the Australian tourism industry and for fostering economic development by providing world-class passenger and freight services, the company said.
The construction of the two vessels will result in a total of around 3,500 person-years’ worth of employment at RMC between 2021 and 2024.
Entirely Finnish owned, RMC has a current orderbook worth around €1.2 bill that extends to 2028.
“We at Rauma work every day to enhance our expertise in shipbuilding, striving to become stronger and more modern,” claimed Mika Nieminen, RMC CEO and President.
‘Spirit of Tasmania IV’ details:
Length: 212 m
Width: 31 m
Draught: 7 m
Gross tonnage: 48,000
Speed: 26 knots (48 km/h)
Lane metres: 3,700 m
Passengers: 1,800
Cabins: 301
