VESSEL REVIEW | HKK 32 – Fast hybrid catamaran to serve Hong Kong commuter routes

Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry (HKKF) has taken delivery of a new hybrid catamaran ferry for operation along commuter routes between Hong Kong and the islands of Lamma, Peng Chau, and Hei Ling Chau.

Hybrid propulsion coupled with significant passenger capacity

The FRP-hulled HKK 32 is part of a nine-vessel order and will form part of a trial by the Hong Kong Government as it seeks to reduce emissions from the local shipping sector.

The ferry also boasts a hybrid drive train and an AYK Energy 414kWh lithium-ion energy storage system allowing it to operate in zero-emissions mode during slow speed transit, berthing, and manoeuvring. To further reduce its environmental footprint, the ferry is fitted with exhaust treatment technology and approximately 30 square metres (300 square feet) of solar panels supported by battery technology to provide zero-emissions onboard power.

HKK 32 has an LOA of 39.8 metres (131 feet), a beam of 10.5 metres (34.4 feet), a maximum draught of 2.1 metres (6.9 feet), a depth of 3.4 metres (11 feet), and space for 450 passengers and five crewmembers. Two Cummins QSK 50-M1 engines that each produce 1,529 kW (2,050 hp) at 1,800 rpm drive propellers via Danfoss EM-PMI375-T1100-2400 electric motors to deliver a top speed of 25 knots and a service speed of 23 knots.

The ferry is capable of transporting up to 300 passengers on its main deck and another 150 on the upper deck. Other facilities include bicycle racks, lavatories, a 10-square-metre (110-square-foot) cargo hold on the main deck, and additional luggage storage on the upper deck. The vessel also boasts tank capacities of 6,600 litres (1,500 gallons) for fuel oil and 1,000 litres (200 gallons) each for fresh water and sullage.

Demonstrator vessel to determine future implementation of low-emission technologies

Power for the onboard systems is drawn from a Perkins Stamford 120ekW generator.

HKKF will also soon take delivery of another ferry from the same series. Unlike HKK 32, however, this vessel will be of aluminium instead of FRP construction. The operational and sustainability performance of both the FRP-hulled and the aluminium-hulled ferries will be measured over the coming years.

HKK 32 will sail under the Chinese flag and is classed by Bureau Veritas.