RMC delivers LNG-fuelled ferry “Spirit of Tasmania IV” to TT-Line

Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) on Thursday (12 September) said it has completed and delivered LNG-fuelled ferry Spirit of Tasmania IV to owner Tasmanian TT-Line Company.

The vessel is the first of two LNG-powered car and passenger ferries ordered by TT-Line for the challenging open sea route to Australia. The second Spirit of Tasmania vessel 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.

“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. The passenger, vehicle and freight capacity of the new vessels is significantly greater than that of its predecessors.

Key dimensions of the Spirit of Tasmania IV:

Length: 212 m
Beam: 31 m
Draught: 7 m
Gross tonnage: 48,000 t
Speed: 26 knots (48 km/h)
Lane metres: 3,700 m
Passengers: 1,800
Cabins: 3

Photo credit: Rauma Marine Constructions
Published: 17 September, 2024