By
Amber Hickman |
Rauma Marine Construction has started construction on Spirit of Tasmania’s second new LNG-powered ferry, Spirit of Tasmania V.
Construction of the vessel began with a steel cutting ceremony that took place in Rauma, Finland, where production of its sister ship, Spirit of Tasmania IV, also began in February 2022.
“It is wonderful to continue the production of the line in good collaboration with the client,” said Mika Heiskanen, CEO of Rauma Marine Construction. “They need two new ships for the route, and it is great that the ships will be finished closely together.”
The two new vessels are set to operate on the world’s southernmost open sea route across the Bass Strait between Geelong, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania in Australia. They will be replacing two of the operator’s previous ships, Spirit of Tasmania I and II.
Both will be equipped with dual fuel engines capable of using LNG fuel and will hold 1,800 passengers each.
“These ships are much bigger than the current vessels - featuring substantially larger capacity for passengers, passenger vehicles and freight - and will be a major contributor for the economy of Tasmania for 30 years to come,” said Bernard Dwyer, CEO and managing director of Spirit of Tasmania.
Both ships are expected to be completed at the beginning and end of 2024, respectively.