Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has delivered Spirit of Tasmania IV, an LNG-powered car and passenger (RoPax) ferry, to Tasmanian TT-Line Company, which is the first of two car and passenger ferries.
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. RMC’s current order book extends to 2028.
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 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.