Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has formally started construction of the first roll on / roll off vessels to replace the current Spirit of Tasmania ships.
The first steel was cut for Spirit of Tasmania IV – as the vessel will be named – at 8pm AEDT on Monday 28 February.
The names – Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V – are the logical continuation of vessel names that build on the legacy of the Spirit of Tasmania I and II and acknowledge Spirit of Tasmania III that operated the now discontinued Devonport to Sydney service.
The company has also taken the opportunity to refresh its branding which is reflected in the vessel’s new livery. The strong and iconic use of red has been maintained keeping the ships recognisable and distinctive. The new-look logo is modern, clean and strong in design. The emblem has been refreshed to highlight the iconic red and white bow of the Spirit of Tasmania ships against a blue sky and sea framed within the shape of Tasmania. The new font is emotive but also functional, using italics to represent movement.
Spirit of Tasmania, Managing Director and CEO Bernard Dwyer said the steel cutting ceremony in Finland was much more than a traditional and significant maritime celebration.
“This is a significant moment for Tasmania and for the Tasmanian economy. When completed, the vessel’s arrival in late 2023 will mark the start of a new era for passenger travel and freight transport across Bass Strait,” he said.
“While the new ships will be a similar design to the current Spirit of Tasmania vessels, they will feature substantially larger capacity for passengers, passenger vehicles and freight.”
“The new vessels will also feature up to $100 million in Tasmanian and Australian content.”
Mr Dwyer said Spirit of Tasmania was delighted to be working with RMC on the project.
“The European-based ship builder has an excellent reputation for building and delivering vessels of outstanding quality which in turn will allow us to deliver the very best for Tasmania.”
Spirit of Tasmania Media Contact:
Nicolas Turner
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +61 418 538 865
Background:
Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) is one of Europe’s leading shipbuilding companies. The Rauma-based company, founded in summer 2014, is fully under Finnish ownership. RMC specializes in the construction and maintenance of car and passenger ferries, icebreakers and defense vessels. More information at www.rmcfinland.fi.