New Spirit of Tasmania vessel floats on water for the first time after traditional ceremony

The second new Spirit of Tasmania vessel has been christened in a ceremony held in Finland — marking a key moment in launching the vessel.

Spirit of Tasmania V, has been officially named and launched at a traditional ceremony at shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions yards in Finland. Picture: Supplied

The second Spirit of Tasmania vessel being built in Finland reached a key milestone on Friday during an official ceremony in the Finland shipbuilder’s yards.

Governor of Tasmania, Barbara Baker AC, was at the ceremony that formally named the vessel Spirit of Tasmania V and broke a bottle of Tasmanian sparkling wine on her bow.

The longstanding tradition is thought to bring good fortune to the vessel on her voyages.

Ms Baker said she was delighted to represent the state during official affair.

Spirit of Tasmania V, has been officially named and launched at a traditional ceremony at shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) yards in Finland. Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC. Picture: Supplied

“The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels will be a major contributor to Tasmania’s visitor economy and the broader Tasmanian economy for many years to come,” Ms Baker

The vessel is the second of two new ships ordered to replace the existing Bass Strait passenger, passenger vehicle and freight ships.

Spirit of Tasmania managing director and CEO Bernard Dwyer said the new vessels were the first purpose-built for Spirit of Tasmania for operation on the Bass Strait.

“While they look very similar to the current vessels, they are much bigger and have substantially larger capacity,” he said.

In May, the build has come under-fire after it was revealed the budget for the two Spirits blew out by more than $80m.

TT-Line has previously said the builds were experiencing severe difficulties due to several factors, including material price increases and labour shortages.

Just last month, it was announced parliament’s powerful Public Accounts Committee called for an inquiry into the delivery of the new ships.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz hailed the successful launch as an exciting development.

“The brand new Tasmanian icons will be a major contributor to our visitor economy and the broader Tasmanian economy for generations to come,” Mr Abetz said.

“Spirit V will now return to the fitting-out dock for the completion of works. Spirit IV is now undertaking its second sea-trial.”

Labor leader Dean Winter remained sceptical of the expected timeline the new Spirits would hit the water in Tasmania — which has been slated for later this year.

He also doubted the wharf and berthing facilities at Devonport would be ready in time.

The $240m Port of Devonport project has been promise to be completed by 2027.

Originally published as New Spirit of Tasmania vessel floats on water for the first time after traditional ceremony