One of Tasmania’s two brand new Spirit of Tasmania ferries has broken loose from its moorings and slammed into a dock during “hurricane-force winds” in Finland.
The incident occurred at the Rauma shipyard, where the ferry is currently being built, on Saturday (Tasmanian time).
TT-Line Acting chief executive Kym Sayers said an assessment of the damage is not possible at this stage.
“Spirit of Tasmania V is floating, safe and secure with every action possible being taken to protect the vessel,” she said.
“It appears there has been no breach to the hull.”
Sayers said three tugs are currently assisting the ferry and it would be moved to a layup berth at the shipyard as soon as weather conditions improve.
In a translated statement, Rauma Marine Constructions said nobody was injured in the incident and there are no known leaks or other environmental damage.
“The situation was prepared the day before with additional ropes, an emergency team and a tug was called to the scene,” the statement said.
“Work on the ship was stopped at 18:00 [Friday, Finland time]. However, the storm became the first known hurricane in the area and the ship could not be kept at the pier, but instead drifted against the embankment on the side of the lake.”
“Rescue personnel went to check the situation in the evening. The situation has stabilised and measures to move the ship are being planned.”
The other new ferry will soon be docked in Scotland while works to build a new port in Devonport are undertaken.
