The Spirit of Tasmania ferries are under construction in Finland and due to arrive next year

The state government is keen to spruik the local businesses winning fit-out contracts on the new Finnish-built Spirit of Tasmania ships.

Keel-laying for the first new replacement Spirit of Tasmania ferry in Finland. Picture: Supplied

A Tasmanian company has a big job on its hands after winning the contract to supply carpet the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

The state government has welcomed the contract at highlights that the ferries, despite being built in Finland, will still benefit local business.

Launceston-based flooring company Benchmark Agencies has secured an order to supply carpets for all passenger and crew cabins on the new Spirit of Tasmania ships.

The company will obtain between 7500 and 8000 square metres of carpet for the job.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson said there was “a bevy of Tasmanian firms” contributing to the new Spirits.

“The government struck a revised contract with Rauma Marine Constructions to establish up to a $100m requirement for local domestic procurement as part of the new vessels, not just during construction but over the lifetime of our new ships,” Mr Ferguson said.

“This is just a further demonstration of the hard work that we went through to make sure that we got the best possible outcome for our state. We are unable to build in this state steel monohulls for this particular route, but what we have been able to do is maximise local employment.”

Mr Ferguson said the first ship was on track for delivery in the first quarter of next year and to operating by July.

The second vessel was on track to be delivered towards the end of next year

Benchmark Agencies owner Andrew Meurs said it was pleasing that Spirit of Tasmania and RMC had committed to source products and materials via Tasmanian companies.