Construction on second new Spirit of Tasmania ferry under way

CONSTRUCTION on the second new Spirit of Tasmania replacement vessel is under way, commemorated with a steel cutting event at the ship’s Finnish boatbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions late last month.

The ceremonial event marking the build start of Spirit of Tasmania V, as the ship will be known, follows the same milestone event for sister vessel Tasmania VI that took place in February, 2022.

Spirit of Tasmania chief executive officer and managing director Bernard Dwyer was in Finland to witness the latest ceremonial event, which was a welcome sign of progress for the company that two years ago announced it would not proceed with the contract due to the pandemic and its economic implications for Tasmania.

“The European-based ship builder has an excellent reputation for building and delivering vessels of outstanding quality,” Mr Dwyer said.

“We have been so impressed with the company from day one and are confident that it will deliver ships that will in turn allow us to deliver the very best outcomes for Tasmania.

“These vessels are the first the company will own that are purpose built for Bass Strait.”

The new ships are due to be delivered in 2024 and will be 40 per cent larger than the existing ferries that cover the route, with an overall length of 212m and a beam of 31m, compared to the existing ships that are 194.33m long with a beam of 25m.

“As the new dimensions indicate, 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,” Mr Dwyer said.