By
Alex Smith |
Tasmanian ferry operator TT-Line is to add two more Spirit of Tasmania ferries to its fleet, after it signed a contract for their construction with Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions.
The agreement has been finalised following approval from the Tasmanian Government, with construction set to begin in spring 2022. The ferries will measure 212 metres in length with capacity for 2,000 passengers and crew, making them larger than their predecessors. They will also feature a separate car deck and 284 cabins. Both ferries will transport passengers between Melbourne in mainland Australia and the city of Devonport on Tasmania, a voyage which typically takes between nine and 11 hours.
“The Bass Strait route between Victoria and Tasmania is popular with local and foreign tourists alike, and the new vessels’ increased capacity will allow us to meet growing demand when passenger traffic trends recover from the pandemic,” says Bernard Dwyer, CEO, TT-Line Company. “We appreciate Foreship’s expert assistance in conceiving the design and look forward to the next phase of our collaboration.”
The vessels were initially conceived by naval architecture firm Foreship with the development of a concept design. Foreship will also provide naval architecture, hydrodynamics, cargo and passenger service concept development, and systems engineering services during the building process, and will assist in reviewing design documentation, drawings and plans.
“We are delighted to be lending our expertise to the construction of two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries for TT-Line Company,” says project lead Olli Somerkallio, chief operating officer of Foreship. “This is a unique opportunity to work with an iconic Australian ferry brand while reinforcing our relationship with Rauma Marine Constructions, an important Finnish shipbuilder. We are looking forward to seeing the vessels take shape.”
The two vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2023 and 2024, respectively.