Press release -
Kongsberg Maritime to supply propulsion and steering gear for two new ferries in Tasmania
Kongsberg, Norway, 7th October 2021 – Kongsberg Maritime (KM) is pleased to announce a contract with Finnish shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) to deliver propulsion and steering equipment for two new car and passenger ferries. The vessels will be operated by the Australian company TT-Line for the regular 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 KM’s Promas combined propulsion and steering systems, which integrate the rudder and controllable pitch propeller to provide highly efficient thrust and manoeuvrability. KONGSBERG prides itself on its hydrodynamic technology, and prior to the contract signing 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. Manoeuvrability when docking is further aided by four TTC tunnel thrusters, the latest design from KM.
“We’re delighted to sign this contract with Kongsberg Maritime,” said Jyrki Heinimaa, President & 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 reliably driven by KONGSBERG Kamewa propellers and tunnel thrusters since their construction in Finland in 1998.
“Choosing KM equipment for this project is a gratifying vote of confidence from both RMC and TT-Line,” said Göran Grunditz, Manager Hydrodynamics, Propulsion & 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 Centre 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 manoeuvrability.”
The first vessel is scheduled to be delivered to TT-Line in late 2023, with the second following a year later.
For further information, please contact:
Gunvor Hatling Midtbø, VP Communication
Kongsberg Maritime
Tel: +47 9921 4209
gunvor.hatling.midtbo@km.kongsberg.com
David Pugh
Saltwater Stone
Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244
d.pugh@saltwater-stone.com
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About Kongsberg Maritime
Kongsberg Maritime is a global marine technology company providing innovative and reliable ‘Full Picture’ technology solutions for all marine industry sectors including merchant, offshore, cruise, subsea and naval. Headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, Kongsberg Maritime has manufacturing, sales and service facilities in 34 countries.
Kongsberg Maritime solutions cover all aspects of marine automation, safety, manoeuvring, navigation, and dynamic positioning as well as energy management, deck handling and propulsion systems, and ship design services. Subsea solutions include single and multibeam echo sounders, sonars, AUV and USV, underwater navigation and communication systems.
Training courses at locations globally, LNG solutions, information management, position reference systems and technology for seismic and drilling operations are also part of the company’s diverse technology portfolio. Additionally, Kongsberg Maritime provides services within EIT (Electro, Instrument & Telecom) engineering and system integration, on an EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) basis.
Kongsberg Maritime is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international, knowledge-based group that celebrated 200 years in business during 2014. KONGSBERG supplies high-technology systems and solutions to customers in the oil and gas industry, the merchant marine, and the defence and aerospace industries.
