VESSEL REVIEW | Xiao Dao Ni Hao – Luxury Ro-Pax for inter-island trips off China’s Zhejiang province

Vessel operator Daishan Penglai Passenger Steamship, a subsidiary of China's Zhoushan Transportation Investment Group, recently took delivery of a new locally built Ro-Pax ferry.

Named Xiao Dao Ni Hao (小岛你好; “Hello Island”), the newbuild is notable for being one of the the first Ro-Pax vessels in operation in the waters off Zhoushan City to boast environment-friendly features as well as a comfortable, high-end atmosphere on board.

Significant transport capacities coupled with broad range of onboard amenities

The ferry has an LOA of 84.53 metres (277.3 feet), a beam of 16 metres (52 feet), a design speed of 15 knots, and space for 451 passengers as well as vehicles with a total volume equivalent to 31 five-tonne trailers. The three-deck vessel was designed to be able to operate safely even under wind conditions of Beaufort force nine.

Compared with those of other Ro-Pax ferries built in China, the vessel’s onboard environment boasts significantly enhanced comfort and convenience thanks to features such as cabins with airline-type business class seats, catering facilities that serve cuisine from various regions throughout China, a selection of retail shops, and entertainment spaces.

Other facilities available for passengers’ use include a library, a cafe, a snack bar, a children’s play area, a casual dining area, and a games room.

Among the cabin options are an economy seating area that can accommodate 396 people and upper deck staterooms with a combined passenger capacity of 35. The latter spaces allow passengers to rest in relative quiet even while underway.

Xiao Dao Ni Hao was built in compliance with China Classification Society requirements and in fulfilment of an investment of approximately CNY70 million (US$9.6 million). The ferry has already begun sailing on two round trip voyages between Zhoushan and the island of Shenjiawan near Shanghai each day.