Spirit of Tasmania Geelong – New Ferries Built in Finland
The new Spirit of Tasmania ferries are under construction in Finland, not Geelong, despite significant public search interest linking the project to Victorian shipyards. Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, destined to replace the aging Bass Strait fleet, are being built by Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) in Northern Europe amid substantial cost overruns and multi-year delays.
TT-Line Company Pty Ltd initiated the replacement project in 2017 with an original completion target of 2021. However, the collapse of German shipbuilder Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) in 2020 forced a contract renegotiation, transferring construction to Finnish firm RMC in April 2021. The project budget has since escalated from an initial $714 million to approximately $850 million with additional capital amendments.
Current vessel status indicates Spirit of Tasmania IV completed sea trials and was handed over in September 2024, though operational deployment awaits critical infrastructure upgrades in Devonport, Tasmania. Spirit of Tasmania V remains under construction with anticipated completion in the first half of 2025.
Where Are the New Spirit of Tasmania Ferries Being Built?
- Finnish Construction: Hull fabrication occurs exclusively at RMC’s Rauma shipyard, with no verified involvement from Australian shipyards.
- Contractor Collapse: Original builder FSG entered bankruptcy in 2020, necessitating project restart with Finnish consortium.
- Cost Escalation: Project value increased from $714 million (2017) to $850 million, plus subsequent €50 million amendments.
- Scottish Interim: Spirit IV currently moored at Port of Leith, Edinburgh following handover, awaiting deployment decisions.
- Capacity Expansion: New vessels offer 43% greater passenger capacity and 39% increased freight capability.
- Environmental Upgrade: Spirit IV introduces LNG propulsion to the Bass Strait route for the first time.
- Berth Dependency: Operational service delayed pending Devonport infrastructure completion.
| Fact | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Location | Rauma, Finland | Wikipedia |
| Shipyard Name | Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) | Parliamentary Report |
| Original Contractor | Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) — Bankrupt 2020 | Official Timeline |
| Contract Transfer Date | April 2021 | Official Timeline |
| Spirit IV Handover | September 2024 | Wikipedia |
| Spirit V Completion Target | First half 2025 | Infrastructure Tasmania |
| Current Vessel Location | Port of Leith, Scotland (interim storage) | Wikipedia |
| Original Project Budget | $714 million AUD (2017) | Parliamentary Report |
| Revised Contract Value | $850 million AUD (2021) | Parliamentary Report |
| 2024 Capital Amendments | €50 million total (€35m Spirit IV, €15m Spirit V) | Parliamentary Report |
| Passenger Capacity Increase | 43% over existing vessels | Parliamentary Report |
| Fuel Technology | LNG (liquefied natural gas) | Wikipedia |
Despite search queries suggesting construction at Phoenix Shipyard Geelong, official documentation confirms zero involvement from Australian shipyards in the hull construction phase. The build remains entirely within Rauma Marine Constructions’ Finnish facilities.
What Is the Timeline for the Spirit of Tasmania New Vessels Project?
Original Schedule Collapse
The replacement program began in 2017 with optimistic projections for 2021 completion at $714 million. These targets dissolved when FSG, the German shipbuilder originally contracted for the work, declared bankruptcy in 2020 amid broader financial distress within the European shipbuilding sector.
Reconstruction Under RMC
Following a competitive retendering process, TT-Line executed a new contract with Rauma Marine Constructions in April 2021. This revised agreement reset completion expectations to 2022 while increasing the budget to $850 million. Further financial pressures emerged in March 2024 when RMC requested additional capital injections totaling €100 million, with TT-Line contributing €50 million through contract amendments executed in April 2024.
Current Delivery Status
Spirit IV commenced sea trials in June 2024 and achieved formal handover to TT-Line in September 2024. Rather than proceeding directly to Australian waters, the vessel repositioned to the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland during November 2024 to avoid Finnish winter ice conditions and pack ice while exploring interim leasing opportunities. Spirit V remains under active construction with completion anticipated during the first half of 2025, potentially entering service during the latter half of that year pending infrastructure readiness.
Permanent Berth 3 infrastructure in Devonport may not be operational until February 2027 according to October 2024 projections, though accelerated timelines could see completion by October 2026 if construction risks are successfully mitigated.
How Much Do the New Spirit of Tasmania Ferries Cost and What Are Their Specs?
Financial documentation reveals a project under significant cost pressure. Beyond the original $714 million baseline and the 2021 recalculation of $850 million, the April 2024 amendments injected an additional €50 million into the contract—comprising €35 million allocated to Spirit IV and €15 million to Spirit V. The Finnish Government matched this investment with a parallel €50 million support package for RMC, bringing total additional capitalization to €100 million.
Technical specifications demonstrate substantial capability improvements over the existing fleet. The new vessels accommodate 43% more passengers and 39% additional freight capacity compared to the current ships. Spirit IV achieves an environmental milestone as the first Bass Strait ferry utilizing LNG fuel technology, offering reduced emissions profiles compared to conventional diesel propulsion systems.
Spirit of Tasmania IV represents the first LNG-powered ferry deployed on the Bass Strait route, marking a significant transition toward lower-emission maritime transport for Tasmania’s primary passenger link.
What Is the Economic Impact of the Spirit of Tasmania Project in Geelong?
Available research does not substantiate claims of Geelong shipyard involvement or Victorian-based employment generation from vessel construction. Parliamentary records and company reports exclusively attribute the build to Finnish contractor RMC, with no evidence of Phoenix Shipyard participation or Australian fabrication contracts.
The economic impact of the replacement project appears confined to operational expenditure within Tasmania and mainland port cities, specifically regarding Devonport infrastructure upgrades and future crew employment. No verified documentation quantifies job creation figures for the Victorian construction sector or Geelong manufacturing industry in connection with this project. Jana Pittman Husband – Paul Gatward and Marriage History remains available for readers seeking unrelated biographical content.
How Has the Spirit of Tasmania Replacement Schedule Changed?
- : Project announced with $714 million budget and 2021 completion target.
- : FSG bankruptcy halts construction; project suspended.
- : RMC contract signed; budget revised to $850 million.
- : Additional €100 million capital requirement identified.
- : Contract amendments executed for €50 million TT-Line contribution.
- : Spirit IV commences sea trials.
- : Spirit IV formally handed over to TT-Line.
- : Spirit IV relocates to Port of Leith, Scotland.
- : Spirit V anticipated completion.
- : Temporary Berth 1E modifications expected ready.
- : Potential accelerated Berth 3 completion (best case).
- : Current estimate for permanent Berth 3 completion.
What Is Confirmed About the Spirit of Tasmania Project?
Established Facts
- Construction location: Rauma, Finland
- Shipbuilder: Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC)
- Spirit IV completion: September 2024
- Fuel type: LNG (first for Bass Strait)
- Capacity increase: 43% passengers, 39% freight
- Cost evolution: $714m to $850m+ (with amendments)
- Current location: Port of Leith, Scotland
Unclear or Unverified
- Geelong shipyard construction involvement
- Specific job creation figures for Victoria
- Final service entry dates (infrastructure dependent)
- Precise Berth 3 completion date (Oct 2026 vs Feb 2027)
- Leasing arrangements for Spirit IV during interim period
Why Is TT-Line Replacing the Current Fleet?
The existing Spirit of Tasmania I and II have provided Bass Strait service for decades, approaching end-of-service life for major vessels. The newbuild program aims to modernize the route with enhanced passenger amenities, increased freight efficiency, and compliance with evolving environmental standards through LNG propulsion. The replacement maintains TT-Line’s monopoly on the sea route between mainland Australia and Tasmania, ensuring continuity of what constitutes the primary passenger and vehicle transport link across the strait.
What Do Official Reports Say?
Revised timelines announced on 24 October 2024 show permanent Berth 3 infrastructure may not be completed until February 2027, unless risks are mitigated.
— Tasmanian Government Infrastructure Report, October 2024
On 4 April 2024, TT-Line executed contract amendments totaling €50 million (€35 million for Spirit IV and €15 million for Spirit V).
— Parliamentary Report on Vessel Replacement Project
What Happens Next for the Spirit of Tasmania Fleet?
Spirit of Tasmania IV remains in Scottish storage pending final infrastructure preparations in Devonport, where temporary Berth 1E modifications should accommodate the larger vessels by July 2025. Spirit V will complete construction in the coming months, with both ships expected to enter Bass Strait service between late 2025 and 2027 depending on permanent berth completion. Jana Pittman Husband – Paul Gatward Family Marriage Details provides additional reading matter unrelated to maritime developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What route will the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries serve?
The new vessels will operate the Bass Strait route between mainland Australia (departing from Geelong or Melbourne) and Devonport, Tasmania, replacing the current I and II vessels on the same crossing.
What is the history of Spirit of Tasmania ship replacements?
The existing Spirit of Tasmania I and II have served the route for decades. The IV and V constitute the first major fleet replacement program since the original vessels entered service.
Why is Spirit of Tasmania IV currently in Scotland?
Finland’s cold winters and pack ice conditions necessitated relocation to Port of Leith for interim storage while TT-Line explores leasing opportunities and awaits Australian infrastructure completion.
When will passengers actually sail on the new ships?
Service entry depends on Devonport’s Berth 3 completion, currently estimated between October 2026 (accelerated) and February 2027, though temporary berthing may allow earlier limited operations.
What happened to the original shipbuilder?
German shipbuilder Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) declared bankruptcy in 2020, forcing TT-Line to terminate the original contract and retender construction to Finnish shipyard RMC.
Are there jobs available at the Geelong shipyard for this project?
No verified information indicates job creation at Geelong’s Phoenix Shipyard. Construction occurs exclusively in Finland, with infrastructure work confined to Devonport, Tasmania.
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