Newbuild Ferry Adrift in Storm After Getting Lost in Bad Weather

The Spirit of Tasmania V, a new ferry currently under construction at the Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard, broke loose from its outfitting quay due to severe winds. The ferry was prevented from serious damage by the presence of a tug and two barges between the vessel and the quayside. TT-Line, the operator of the Spirit of Tasmania, assured that the ferry is floating safely and every effort is being made to protect it. The vessel is currently being monitored by three tugs, and once the wind conditions improve, it will be returned and secured to the layup berth at RMC.

Spirit of Tasmania IV, the sister ship of Spirit of Tasmania V, will be transferred to Scotland and laid up due to delays in the construction of a dock in Australia. The Spirit of Tasmania IV will be laid up in Leith, Scotland, for at least two months to avoid the harsh winter in Finland. TT-Line is still evaluating options for the vessel, including the possibility of leasing it to a third party. Once both ships are operational, they will replace older vessels on the route, significantly increasing passenger, vehicle, and freight capacity.

RMC confirmed that no injuries or environmental damage occurred during the incident, thanks to advance storm preparations. The Spirit of Tasmania V, a 212-meter car and passenger ferry, is expected to serve the ports of Geelong and Devonport on Australia’s Bass Strait. The ferry, with a capacity of 1,800 passengers and a 25-year lifespan, is scheduled for delivery in the last quarter of the following year. The challenging sea conditions of the Bass Strait make these new vessels crucial for the route’s operations.

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