Launceston-based flooring company Benchmark Agencies has secured an order to supply carpets for all passenger and crew cabins on the new Spirit of Tasmania ships currently under construction in Finland.
Benchmark Agencies joins an extensive list of Tasmanian companies now involved in providing goods and services for the new ships being constructed by Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC).
The contract has been awarded to the Launceston business by ALAMCO, a subcontractor to RMC that is building the cabins in modular form.
While the new ships will be a similar design to the current Spirit of Tasmania vessels, they will feature substantially larger capacity for passengers, passenger vehicles and freight.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson welcomed Benchmark Agencies, as they joined bevy of Tasmanian firms contributing to the new Spirits.
“With up to $100 million of local content being secured for our new Spirits, there can be no doubting they’ll have a uniquely Tasmanian flavour,” Minister Ferguson said.
“By ensuring local companies are a major contributor to these two new vessels, the Rockliff Liberal Government is strengthening the business environment and confidence.
“It also rightfully places world-class Tasmanian products in an enviable position, where they will be enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people, when they take up the opportunity to embark on our new Spirits.
“Congratulations, to Andrew, and his Benchmark Agencies team for securing this substantial contract. I look forward to seeing their products on our new vessels!”
Benchmark Agencies owner / operator Andrew Meurs said he was delighted to have secured such a contract and was pleased that Spirit of Tasmania and RMC had committed to source products and materials via Tasmanian companies.
“The carpets provided by Benchmark Agencies are sourced from well-respected Australian carpet supplier Brintons,” he said.
“It’s the first contract of this type for Benchmark Agencies, but not the first for Brintons. It does this sort of work all around the world, leveraging the talents and expertise of its designers, product experts and local experts like Benchmark.
“It’s a privilege to work with such a recognised organisation like Spirit of Tasmania.
“We will be shipping between 7,500 and 8,000 square metres of product.
“It’s a credit to Spirit of Tasmania. It’s great for the local economy and for all the companies involved.”
RMC formally started construction of Spirit of Tasmania IV last year when the first steel was cut at a traditional ceremony at the RMC facility in Finland.
The second steel cutting ceremony was completed just before Christmas 2022.
Specialising in the construction and maintenance of car and passenger ferries, icebreakers and defence vessels, RMC is one of Europe's leading shipbuilding companies.
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