VESSEL REVIEW | Zhejiang Steam Ferry 12 – Battery hybrid coastal Ro-Pax with significant capacity and enhanced manoeuvrability

China's Pinghu Huahai Shipbuilding handed over a new hybrid Ro-Pax ferry to local shipping company Xiangshan County Automobile Ferry.

Designed for use on coastal routes, Zhejiang Steam Ferry 12 (浙象汽渡12; Zhexiang Qidu 12) will have an LOA of 49.4 metres (162 feet), a beam of 12.4 metres (40.7 feet), a depth of 2.85 metres (9.35 feet), a draught of only 1.65 metres (5.41 feet), 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 23 cars. Provisions are available for vehicles powered by alternative energy sources such as batteries and natural gas.

The superstructure has been placed well forward to provide the bridge crew with unobstructed forward visibility while underway.

Flexible hybrid electric propulsion setup

The passenger capacity is below the maximum limit allowed for Chinese-built vessels of 500 GT, though the vehicle capacity is approximately double that of other vessels that are operating on the same routes.

Bow and stern ramps are fitted to permit ease of loading and unloading without having to change the vessel’s orientation.

The hybrid propulsion arrangement includes three Shanghai Marathon-Gexin Electric MP-H-250-4 250kW diesel generators and lithium iron phosphate batteries driving azimuthing main propellers for low-emission operation and enhanced manoeuvrability, such as when navigating through busy waters or for easier berthing/unberthing.

The azimuthing propellers can also enable the vessel to execute a full 360-degree turn on her own length.

Capable of harsh weather navigation

Chen Liangdong of Xiangshan County Automobile Ferry said the ferry can ensure energy consumption levels of up to 30 per cent lower compared to earlier vessels in the company’s fleet.

Anti-roll dampers will meanwhile ensure smooth and stable sailing even under adverse weather conditions. The dampers can reduce roll by as much as 20 per cent even when sailing at 9.5 knots.

Zhejiang Steam Ferry 12's area of operations will encompass the coastal waters of Xiangshan County in eastern Zhejiang province. The vessel will serve up to 24 round trips per day during the regular navigation season.

The ferry is classed by China Classification Society.