Foreship was responsible for the concept design of the new ro-paxes which were to be built by FSG. The Finnish naval architecture consultancy remains heavily involved in the newbuilding project for TT-Line Tasmania. © FSG

The state government-owned TT-Line today (27 February) confirmed it had signed an MOU with RMC, after a considerable period of uncertainty over FSG's ability to deliver the two new ships. As late as last week it was reported FSG was still struggling to obtain export guarantees, pending a critical assessment of the shipbuilder's prospects.

TT-Line will now commence contract negotiations with RMC, including final design specifications. This will include finalising the delivery date, for which the MOU targets late 2022 for hull one and late 2023 for hull two.
The Tasmanian Government's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said it was important to note that no payments to FSG had been made, and no payments will be made. "Furthermore, the majority of the work undertaken to date on the new vessels by TT-Line and their expert consultants is transferrable and can be utilised in the detailed design phase and contract negotiations with the new shipbuilder," he said.

Ferguson commended the TT-Line board and management "for its prudent and responsible management of this significant investment, which has minimised exposure to the company and the State of Tasmania."
Under the previous FSG contract the new vessels – substantially larger with 43% more passenger capacity and 39% more freight space, equating to 500 additional passengers, 115 more vehicles and 85 extra freight trailers – were due for delivery in 2021.

© Shippax / Dale Crisp