The first of the two new Bass Strait passenger, vehicle and freight ferries, the Spirit of Tasmania IV, has been officially named and launched at shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions’ (RMC) yard in Finland.
“Both Spirit of Tasmania and RMC have invested significant time on this project, and to see that culmination of effort today in the official naming and launch of the vessel was truly rewarding,” said Spirit of Tasmania Chairman, Michael Grainger.
The maritime ceremony to name the ship is a long-standing tradition that brings good fortune to the vessel on her voyages, and Mrs Deborah Grainger (wife of Michael Grainger) formally named the ship Spirit of Tasmania IV, breaking a bottle of Tasmanian sparkling wine on the ship’s bow.
After the naming ceremony, Mrs Grainger, members of the RMC and Spirit of Tasmania project teams, and other VIPs opened five valves to let water flow into the dry dock, floating the Spirit of Tasmania IV for the first time.
“It was a real honour to be involved in the official naming ceremony,” said Mrs Grainger, adding that, “Using a bottle of Tasmanian wine was also very fitting given these ships are Tasmanian.”
According to RMC, the next stage for the LNG-powered Spirit of Tasmania IV is the finishing of the plumbing and electrical works, as well as the decoration work in the hotel area. Various sea trials will be conducted before the ship is officially handed over.
The Spirit of Tasmania IV is one of two new vessels ordered by Spirit of Tasmania to replace the existing ships. Once completed, the new ships will span 212 metres with a beam of 31 metres. The current ships are 194 metres long with a beam of 25 metres.
When completely finished, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V will be the southernmost vessels to operate with LNG and in addition, will have a dual fuel solution which will allow them to use other alternative fuels. They will be equipped with four Wärtsilä 46DF dual-fuel main engines, three Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines, and two Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel storage, supply, and control systems.
Did you know that you can actually watch them being built live? Check it out >>HERE<<. The live feed is direct from Rauma Marine in Finland with the footage on the webcam being updated every minute. Given the time difference, it’s best to check it out late in the evening.
