TT-Line RoPax duo to have Kongsberg Maritime propulsion and steering

Written by Nick Blenkey
Rendering of ferry

New ferries will each carry 1,800 passengers. [Image: Rauma Marine Constructions]

Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has awarded Kongsberg Maritime a contract to deliver the propulsion and steering equipment for the two new car and passenger ferries on order at the yard for operation by Australia’s TT-Line on its Spirit of Tasmania ferry service—a 10.5-hour journey across the Bass Strait between Melbourne, Victoria, and Devonport, Tasmania.

Each vessel will be fitted with two of Kongsberg’s Promas-combined propulsion and steering systems, which integrate the rudder and controllable pitch propeller to provide highly efficient thrust and maneuverability. Prior to the contract signing, Kongsberg undertook advanced computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses of the Promas units to establish cavitation properties and ensure optimal performance at the vessels’ 26-knot cruising speed. Maneuverability when docking is further aided by four of Kongsberg Maritime’s latest design TTC tunnel thrusters.

“We’re delighted to sign this contract with Kongsberg Maritime,” said Jyrki Heinimaa, president and CEO, Rauma Marine Constructions. “The deciding factor was the long and successful relationship between RMC and KM. They have delivered propulsion equipment to many of our vessels in the past, and we know that they are a reliable partner who will provide excellent support, both now and during the vessels’ lifetime.”

With an approximate gross tonnage of 48,000 tons, each new ferry will accommodate 1,800 passengers. They will replace Spirit of Tasmania I and II, which have been driven by Kongsberg Kamewa propellers and tunnel thrusters since their construction in Finland in 1998.

“Choosing Kongsberg equipment for this project is a gratifying vote of confidence from both RMC and TT-Line,” said Göran Grunditz, manager hydrodynamics, propulsion and engines, Kongsberg Maritime. “Since we equipped the previous vessels more than 20 years ago, we have worked hard developing increasingly efficient and manoeuvrable propulsion solutions as part of our ongoing work at our Hydrodynamic Research Centwe in Sweden. We are confident that the Promas system fitted to these vessels will not only deliver the same reliability, but also significantly improve performance, efficiency and maneuverability.”

The first ferry is scheduled to be delivered to TT-Line in late 2023, with the second following a year later.

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