China's Pinghu Huahai Shipbuilding launched a new Ro-Pax ferry at its Ningbo facilities on Monday, March 10.
Ordered by local shipping company Xiangshan County Automobile Ferry, Zhexiang Qidu 12 ("Zhejiang Steam Ferry 12") will have an LOA of 49.4 metres, a beam of 12.4 metres, a depth of 2.85 metres, a draught of only 1.65 metres, a gross tonnage of 496, a speed of 10 knots, and a crew of 14.
The ferry will be able to transport up to 170 passengers and 14 standard trailers or other vehicles such as cars and buses. The passenger capacity will meanwhile be below the maximum limit allowed for Chinese-built vessels of 500 GT.
The hybrid propulsion arrangement will include a diesel generator and lithium batteries. Anti-roll dampers will meanwhile ensure smooth and stable sailing even under adverse weather conditions.
Zhexiang Qidu 12's area of operations will encompass the coastal waters of Xiangshan County in eastern Zhejiang province.