Companies awarded contracts on upcoming Tasmanian ferries

Tasmanian companies have secured up to $100 million in contracts on the two upcoming Spirit of Tasmania ferries, currently being built in Finland, the state government said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Tasmanian government said Launceston business Waverley Mills has secured a contract to supply two types of throw rugs, with an order for 350 including travel rugs for business class chairs and premium superfine merino throws for deluxe cabins.

Tasmanian businesses Hydrowood, AJB Furniture and Joinery, and Brock Building Systems are cooperating to produce feature wall cladding on two semi-enclosed deck spaces. These finished profiles will be shipped and installed by Scan Marine in Finland, according to the statement.

The value of the contracts was not shared, and the companies were cited as part of “an extensive list of Tasmanian companies” currently involved in supply contracts for the new ships.

“With up to $100 million of local content being secured for our new Spirits, there can be no doubting they’ll have a uniquely Tasmanian flavour,” said transport minister Michael Ferguson.

The Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V vessels are being built in Finland by Rauma Marine Constructions, will replace the Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II, and are expected to be delivered in the first and last quarter of 2024, respectively.

The new ships will be 212 metres in length and have capacity to carry 1,800 passengers, with 4,098 lane metres to transport vehicles.

The service links Devonport, Tasmania, to Victoria’s Geelong.

Picture: render of one of the upcoming ships (credit Spirit of Tasmania)