RMC hands over second new Bass Strait ro-pax
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Posted by Dale Crisp
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26 June, 2025
TT Line is now the official owner of Spirit of Tasmania V following a handover ceremony at Rauma Marine Constructions’ yard in Finland on Wednesday evening (Australian time). The ro-pax was officially accepted by TT-Line director retired Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore on behalf of the company.
“This marks a significant milestone in our journey,” TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone said.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated project team members who have overseen the design, construction and delivery of the vessel, both in Australia and Finland.”
Neither TT Line nor the caretaker Liberal Tasmanian government has yet revealed immediate plans for Spirit V which, like earlier sister Spirit of Tasmania IV will not be able to enter Melbourne-Devonport service until the completion of TT Line’s much-delayed East Devonport terminal, currently expected in October 2026.
Spirit IV, which has been laid up in Leith, Scotland since late last year, is due to depart on its 5-6-week voyage to Hobart in the next few days. It is unlikely crew will be available for Spirit V’s delivery voyage until the sistership reaches Tasmania.
Celebrating the Spirit V handover, RMC described it as a major milestone - the completion of one of the largest bilateral export projects between Finland and Australia, “involving over 3,500 person-years of work and two world-class vessels built for the demanding conditions of the Bass Strait.
“This ship represents strong Rauma-based shipbuilding expertise and the capability of Rauma shipyard. We want to thank the owner, our partners and everyone involved in the project,” RMC said.
“With these ships, RMC now holds the record for both the northernmost and southernmost LNG-powered car and passenger ferries in the world: from Aurora Botnia sailing in the Gulf of Bothnia to the Spirit of Tasmania vessels navigating the southern seas between mainland Australia and Tasmania.
“We wish these remarkable ships fair winds and following seas on their journeys ahead!”
