![Photo: Rauma Marine Constructions](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F210420-8-Rauma.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Tasmanian operator TT-Line Company has entered into an agreement with Finland's Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) for the construction of two car and passenger ferries in a series.
The construction of the new ferries for TT-Line will begin in spring 2022. The first of the vessels will be delivered to TT-Line at the end of 2023 and the second at the end of 2024.
Although construction of the vessels will take place in Finland, fit-out and all subsequent maintenance will be carried out in Tasmania under a government mandate requiring "significant local capacity."
The new ferries will replace the existing Spirit of Tasmania vessels on TT-Line's Bass Strait service.
Robert Clifford, chairman of Hobart-based shipbuilder Incat, had earlier told local media that he was "extremely disappointed" by the government's decision to have the ferries built by a foreign company.
Mr Clifford claimed his company had been considered for the supply of the new vessels following Tasmanian government assurance of increased assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.