Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has conducted the launching and naming ceremony for TT Line’s second LNG-powered (by liquefied natural gas) car and passenger/RoPax ship.
The Spirit of Tasmania V vessel was launched and named on July 19th, 2024. It is the second of two RoPax ferries ordered from RMC for service in Tasmania. The first vessel, Spirit of Tasmania IV, had her launch and christening ceremony last October.
The new ferries, constructed by RMC/Rauma Finland, will operate on the Australia-Tasmania route Geelong-Devonport across the Bass Strait, which is noted for its challenging sea conditions.
These vessels are set to replace their predecessors, which were built in Finland in the 1990s. According to RMC, the new ships offer significantly greater passenger, vehicle, and cargo capacity than the older models. The Spirit of Tasmania IV is scheduled for delivery this August, while the Spirit of Tasmania V is expected to be completed by next spring.
TT-Line's order of these two ships from RMC/Rauma Marine Constructions aims to address the demands of the challenging open sea route between Victoria and Tasmania. Each new ferry will have a capacity for 1800 passengers and ~2500 lanemeters on two freight decks.