Rhys BerryFinland’s Rauma Marine Constructions has announced the delivery of the LNG-fuelled Spirit of Tasmania IV to TT-Line.
The vessel is the first of two LNG-fuelled passenger ferries ordered by Tasmania-based TT-Line. As previously reported by ship.energy, the second vessel, Spirit of Tasmania V, was launched in July.
‘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,’ said Mika Nieminen, CEO and President of Rauma Marine Constructions.
‘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.’
The RoPax ferries built by RMC will operate between Geelong and Devonport on Australia’s Bass Strait, a route known for its challenging sea conditions, for which these vessels have been specially built. The ships will replace their sister ships built in Finland in the 1990s.
RMC highlighted that the passenger, vehicle and freight capacity of the new vessels is ‘significantly greater’ than that of its predecessors.
Image: Rauma Marine Constructions
Tom Barlow-Brown
