Spirit of Tasmania 1 - a platform of the IMOS SOOP-Temperate Merchant Vessel (TMV) sub-facility

Research Project

Researchers: AODN Data Manager (Distributes) ,  Critchell, Kay (Point of contact) ,  Critchell, Kay (Point of contact) ,  Data Officer (Distributes) ,  Data Officer (Distributes)

Brief description The Spirit of Tasmania 1 platform collects oceanographic observations (including sea surface temperature) during passenger transportation through Bass Strait between Melbourne (Victoria) and Devonport (Tasmania). Enhancement of Measurements on Ships of opportunity (SOOP) -Temperate Merchant Vessel (TMV) maintains an underway sampling Seabird SBE45 thermo-salinograph (TSG), a Wetlabs combination fluorometer and turbidity sensor (ECO-FLNTU), a GPS were deployed in June 2008 on the Spirit of Tasmania I for initial trials. Routine data collection commenced on 28 August 2008. The Spirit of Tasmania 1 is owned by the TT-Line Company Pty Ltd and give a regular and reliable service linking mainland Australia to Tasmania. The Spirit of Tasmania operates under the ship callsign VLST and has the following characteristics: - Owner : TT-Line Company Pty Ltd - Builder : Kvaerner Masa-Yards Finland - Year Built : 1998 - Ship type : RO/RO Passenger V/L - Class : American Bureau of Shipping - Overall length : 194.33 metres - Overall width : 25 metres - Gross tonnage : 29.338 tonnes - Dead weight 5651 tonnes - Engines : 4x4 Stroke single acting turbo charged diesel of 10.560 kw each. Connected to twin variable pitch propellers via reduction gearboxes 510/147 RPM.

Notes Credit
Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) is enabled by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). It is operated by a consortium of institutions as an unincorporated joint venture, with the University of Tasmania as Lead Agent.

Notes Credit
Data was collected by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria (until 2021).

Notes Credit
Assistance with logistical and technical support for this project has been provided by the Spirit of Tasmania 1 vessel operator, TT lines.

Notes Credit
CSIRO Marine Calibration Facility

Data time period: 28 08 2008

146.4,-37.8 146.4,-41.2 144.2,-41.2 144.2,-37.8 146.4,-37.8

145.3,-39.5

text: westlimit=144.20; southlimit=-41.20; eastlimit=146.40; northlimit=-37.80

text: uplimit=0; downlimit=0