Spirit of Tasmania IV now under ownership of TT-Line after formal ceremony in Finland
A major milestone has been achieved in the delivery of the first of two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries following a formal ceremony in Finland, where the ships are being built.
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The first of two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries is now officially under state ownership, following a formal handover ceremony in Finland.
Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), the Finnish shipbuilder tasked with delivering the replacement vessels, transferred the ownership of Spirit of Tasmania IV to TT-Line on Thursday at its shipyard.
The ceremony involved the raising of the Australian Red Ensign flag on the aft mast on deck 10 of the ferry and the raising of the TT-Line flag on the foremast of deck 11.
TT-Line CEO and managing director Bernard Dwyer said it was a major milestone for the project, which has been beset with cost blowouts and delays.
“While there are some very minor works to be completed by RMC, we are delighted with the vessel that we are taking possession of,” he said.
“We know Spirit of Tasmania IV will serve Tasmania and all those who travel on her between mainland Australia and the island state very well.
“We are excited to take this next significant step in the project.”
RMC CEO and president Mika Nieminen thanked TT-Line for its “excellent co-operation”, which he said had enabled the shipbuilder to “bring this project to its successful completion”.
“This vessel is a fine example of the strong shipbuilding expertise in Rauma,” he said.
“We wish Spirit of Tasmania IV all the best on its journeys.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the handover was a “significant step forward”.
“Spirit IV will now undergo further works before being brought to Hobart, where it will be fitted with local content and undergo additional testing,” he said.
The ferry is expected to be delivered to Tasmania by the end of the year, while the second vessel is set to arrive in 2025.
The handover of Spirit IV comes after a spate of resignations at TT-Line.
Chairman Mike Grainger was asked to step down by the state government last month after appearing to dispute evidence given by the former infrastructure minister Michael Ferguson in a parliamentary inquiry.
Mr Dwyer announced his intention to resign earlier this week and board director Anna McMahon quit in August.
Meanwhile, Mr Ferguson himself quit the infrastructure portfolio a fortnight ago, apologising for the “disappointment” associated with the replacement Spirits but laying the blame at the feet of TT-Line.
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Originally published as Spirit of Tasmania IV now under ownership of TT-Line after formal ceremony in Finland
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