Spirit of Tasmania ferry breaks free at Rauma shipyard amid stormy conditions

The Spirit of Tasmania passenger ferry broke free from its mooring at the Rauma shipyard on Friday, amid winds that reached storm-like levels. Despite having a storm mooring system in place, the vessel collided with a maintenance platform, which became trapped between the shore and the Spirit of Tasmania.

According to Mika Nieminen, CEO of RMC shipyard, no significant damage has been detected. “Divers were able to inspect the vessel on Monday, and there are no major dents or damages to the underwater structures. However, there are indentations and holes on the side of the ship caused by the collision with the maintenance platform,” Nieminen stated.

There will be a slight delay in the ferry’s delivery. Nieminen explained that the Spirit of Tasmania will undergo further thorough inspections, particularly in the engine room and other interior areas. “There will, of course, be some kind of delay in the delivery of the vessel. For instance, all the various electrical and gas pipelines that are under construction must be reattached,” Nieminen added.

The Spirit of Tasmania, ordered by the Tasmanian company TT-Line, is expected to be completed by next spring. The over 200-meter long vessel will have the capacity to accommodate 1,800 passengers.