Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has delivered Spirit of Tasmania IV, an LNG-powered car and passenger (RoPax) ferry, to Tasmanian TT-Line Company.
The vessel is one of two car and passenger ferries that TT-Line ordered from RMC in 2021 for the open sea route to Australia.
As disclosed, these RoPax ferries will operate between Geelong and Devonport on Australia’s Bass Strait, a route known for its challenging sea conditions. The ships will replace sister ships built in Finland in the 1990s. According to RMC, the passenger, vehicle and freight capacity of these new ferries is “significantly” greater than that of its predecessors.
Mika Nieminen, CEO and President of RMC, commented: “I want to thank our client for their excellent co-operation, which has enabled us to bring this project to its successful completion. I would also like to thank our partners and the classification society.”
“This vessel is a fine example of the strong shipbuilding expertise in Rauma. We have now built the world’s southernmost LNG ropax ferry as well as the world’s northernmost LNG ropax ferry, namely Aurora Botnia. We wish Spirit of Tasmania IV all the best on its journeys.”
To remind, the construction of the Spirit of Tasmania IV began in February 2022 and the launching ceremony was held in October 2023. The vessel wrapped up its second sea trials and returned to the RMC shipyard on July 23, 2024.
The second vessel, Spirit of Tasmania V, was launched on July 19, 2024, and is scheduled for delivery next spring.
To note, alongside the TT-Line vessels, construction on the first multi-purpose corvette for the Finnish Navy began in 2023 in the company’s dedicated multi-purpose hall. RMC’s current order book extends to 2028.