Images: Tt-Line and Rauma Marine Constructions
The second of two replacement ships for the Spirits of Tasmania has officially launched in Finland.
Spirit of Tasmania 5 has got her bottom wet for the first time when multiple valves were opened to flood the dry dock where the vessel is being built at Rauma Marine Constructions.
The new ship, identical to Spirit of Tasmania 4, also currently under construction in Finland, is 212 metres long and 31 metres wide and will have 40 per cent more capacity for freight, vehicles and passengers than the existing Spirits 1 and 2.
Spirits 4 and 5 are the first purpose-built vessels for the Devonport to Geelong run.
Tasmanian Governor Barbara Baker officially launched Spirit 5, telling her audience she was proud of the Tasmanian content, which includes contracts awarded to businesses around the state.