KM signs Promas deal for two new ferries

The 48,000 tonne vessels can carry up to 1,800 passengers and will be operated by the Australian company TT-Line, replacing Spirit of Tasmania I and II on their 10.5 hour journey across the Bass Strait between Melbourne, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania.

“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.”

Each vessel will be fitted with two of KM’s Promas combined propulsion and steering systems, which integrate the rudder and controllable pitch propeller for greater thrust and manoeuvrability.

Prior to the contract signing, Kongsberg undertook advanced computational fluid dynamic analyses of the Promas units to establish cavitation properties and ensure optimum performance at the vessels’ 26 knot cruising speed. Manoeuvrability when docking is further aided by four TTC tunnel thrusters, the latest design from KM.

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