The Finnish Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has started working on the second ferry ordered by Spirit of Tasmania.

Works on the two GT 48k big sister ships are proceeding according to schedule: IV will be delivered in Q1 2024 and V before the year-end.

The 212 by 31 m dual-fuel (gas-run) vessels - each offering room for 1,800 passengers and 3,700 lane metres for cargo - will replace two other Finland-built ships (from the 1990s) on the Geelong-Devonport service between mainland Australia and Tasmania.

It will take some 3,500 person-years worth of employment for RMC to deliver the two.

Photo: Spirit of Tasmania