Excitement is brewing in Tasmania as the second brand-new Spirit of Tasmania ferry, aptly named Spirit of Tasmania V, makes a splash after its launch in Finland. Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker, the vessel’s godmother, had the honor of christening it during a traditional ceremony at the Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard.

This sleek new addition is the second of two purpose-built ferries designed specifically to navigate the often-challenging Bass Strait between Geelong and Devonport. While similar in appearance to the current ships, these new vessels are significantly larger, offering a substantial increase in capacity for passengers, vehicles, and cargo.

Spirit of Tasmania Managing Director Bernard Dwyer, who journeyed to Finland for the launch, expressed his delight at witnessing this milestone. He emphasized that these are the first ferries designed explicitly for the Bass Strait route, boasting a length of 212 meters and a width of 31 meters, compared to the existing 194-meter-long ships.

The first new ferry, Spirit of Tasmania IV, is set to arrive in Tasmania this August, with its sister ship, Spirit of Tasmania V, following suit next spring. RMC CEO Mika Nieminen expressed his pride in the progress of the project, highlighting its significance as one of the largest export deals between Australia and Finland.

The next phase for the newly launched Spirit of Tasmania V will involve fitting out the ship with equipment, plumbing, electrical work, and interior design, as well as work on the engine room and car deck.

With its increased capacity and modern design, the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries are expected to provide a boost to Tasmania’s tourism and overall economy for many years to come.

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