RMC Delivered the first spirit of Tasmania to the owner
The Tasmanian Spirit of Tasmania (TT-Line Company PTY Ltd.) has ordered two car and passenger ferries from Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) for the challenging open sea route to Australia. The first vessel has now been completed and delivered to the TT-Line Company. The second Spirit of Tasmania vessel was launched in July and, at the same time, the shipyard is building the first multi-purpose corvette for the Finnish Defence Forces.
In September, the Rauma shipyard celebrated the delivery of the Spirit of Tasmania IV to the Owner, TT-Line Company.
‘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. 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’, says Mika Nieminen, CEO and President of Rauma Marine Constructions.
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.
This is the largest single export deal between Finland and Australia. The project carries an employment impact of more than 3,500 person-years.
The Shipyard’s Current Order Book Extends to 2028
Alongside the TT-Line vessels, construction on the first multi-purpose corvette for the Finnish Navy began last autumn in the company’s dedicated multi-purpose hall. The combined employment impact of the projects is more than 7,000 person-years. RMC’s current order book extends to 2028.
The shipyard in Rauma is investing and renewing itself. RMC is building a new industrial approach to operating that will strengthen the company’s competitiveness and profitability. In addition to expertise, RMC, together with the strong support of the local community, has invested in independent steel production, a new multi-purpose hall for Government vessels and a heavy transfer ramp for the shipyard.
This year marks the tenth anniversary since the founding of RMC. Over this period, three of the car and passenger ferries delivered by the fully Finnish-owned shipyard have been awarded internationally: Hammershus (Molslinjen) in 2018, Aurora Botnia (Wasaline) in 2021 and MyStar (Tallink) in 2022.
About Spirit of Tasmania IV
The Spirit of Tasmania IV, under the stewardship of Steven Key, is an impressive vessel boasting significant dimensions and capabilities.
Stretching 212 meters in length with a beam of 31 meters and a draught of 7 meters, this ship has a gross tonnage of 48,000 tonnes. It can cruise at a speed of 26 knots (equivalent to 48 km/h), ensuring swift and efficient travel across the waters.
The vessel is designed to accommodate both passengers and vehicles comfortably, offering 3,700 lane meters for vehicles and housing up to 1,800 passengers in its 301 cabins.
These features make the Spirit of Tasmania IV a formidable presence on the sea, providing reliable and spacious transport for all aboard.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 46 No.5 Issue last October 31, 2024.
