113 upgrades to shore power infrastructure. The tender invitation for this contract is anticipated to be issued around September 2024, with the contract expected to be awarded by March 2025. In China, Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) launched the second of four ro-pax vessels currently being constructed at its yard for GNV. During the event this July, GNV revealed it would name the newbuild GNV Orion, which is scheduled for delivery in summer 2025 and measures 218 metres in length and 29.6 metres in beam. It will have a maximum speed of 25 knots, offer 433 cabins, have 3,100 lane metres for vehicles and accommodate 1,785 passengers. GSI is set to deliver the first vessel, GNV Polaris, by the end of 2024. It has also laid the keel for the third ferry, GNV Virgo, which will be powered by LNG and is expected to be complete in 2026, along with an unnamed fourth LNG-powered unit. Australia’s TT-Line Company is set to take delivery of the first of the two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries from Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) in the third quarter of 2024. Spirit of Tasmania IV underwent sea trials in June, completing a five-day run from RMC’s yard in Finland. During the trial, the vessel underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its performance, including speed and manoeuvrability. Engineering teams also carried out thorough assessments of key systems, such as safety and emergency protocols. “The ship excelled in every aspect, and we’re thrilled to see it sailing for the first time,” says Bernard Dwyer, CEO and managing director of Spirit of Tasmania. RMC floated out the second ferry, Spirit of Tasmania V, in July. Each of the newbuilds will be powered by four Wartsila nine-cylinder turbocharge dual fuel LNG and diesel engines. Measuring over 212 metres, they will each accommodate up to 1,800 passengers, featuring 12 deluxe cabins, two family suites, 120 outside cabins, 159 inside cabins and eight accessible cabins with an interconnecting cabin. They are the first purpose-built newbuilds for Spirit of Tasmania’s operation on the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania. Polferries has taken delivery of its largest and longest ferry, Varsovia, marking the company’s first new vessel in over 20 years. Built by Italy’s Visentini shipyard and entering service at the end of July, the ship is set to significantly enhance connectivity between Poland and Sweden, making travel easier for both passengers and businesses. Designed with spacious lounges, restaurants and comfortable cabins, Varsovia aims to provide an “exceptional experience” for tourists and commercial traffic alike. At 216 metres long, it will have capacity for 920 passengers, 200 cabins and space for 200 cars and 150 trucks. The ferry will help reduce travel times and increase capacity on the popular route between Świnoujście in Poland and Ystad in Sweden, addressing the growing demand for ferry services in the region. FERRY ORDER BOOK Rauma Marine Constructions floated Spirit of Tasmania V out of the dry dock at its yard in Finland in July and is now completing interior outfitting work Photo: Rauma Marine Constructions
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