AS IF recent and ongoing controversies have not been enough for TT Line its new and current vessels have struck troubles in the northern and southern hemispheres.
In an incident that validates TT Line’s decision to – at least temporarily – relocate the completed-and-delivered Spirit of Tasmania IV to Scotland’s Leith to avoids the harsh Baltic winter, the still-to-be- finished sistership, Spirit of Tasmania V broke moorings at the Rauma Marine Constructions yard on Friday night [1 November] in “hurricane-like” winds.
The vessel was blown from its quay towards an opposite rock embankment but collided instead with two barges and a tug moored on that structure. Overseas reports suggest the vessel likely suffered only superficial external damage.
In a statement, translated from Finnish by the ABC, RMC said that staff had prepared for the severe weather event.
“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.
“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.”
TT Line’s acting CEO, Kym Sayers said Spirit of Tasmania V was floating, safe and secure with every action possible being taken to protect the vessel.
“A detailed assessment of any damage is just not possible at this stage, but it appears there has been no breach to the hull. There are three tugs currently alongside Spirit of Tasmania V, and as soon as wind conditions are suitable, the vessel will be returned and secured to the layup berth at RMC.”
Tasmanian transport minister Eric Abetz said responsibility for any damage Spirit of Tasmania V remained with RMC, given it has not been transferred to Tasmanian ownership at this stage: “That said, we believe that the damage is superficial, but we will ensure that the ship is checked out absolutely thoroughly to ensure it has not been impacted in any way.”
A crew is reported to have been sent to Finland to take Spirit of Tasmania IV – which was unaffected by the storm – to Leith but is awaiting moderation of conditions.
Separately, passengers on a Thursday night southbound crossing by Spirit of Tasmania II reported the ship came to a complete halt in mid Bass Strait around 0300 following a “violent shudder”.
A TT Line representative confirmed one of the ship’s propellers had become fouled by an object and it was stopped for around 15 minutes to clear the obstruction, subsequently arriving at Devonport around 20 minutes late.
