Passenger Vessel News Roundup | March 26 – Electric ferries for Singapore and Germany, Scottish Ro-Pax orders and more
A German operator christens a new electric ferry while a new fleet of solar-powered commuter boats will enter service soon in Singapore waters. Other deliveries include a river cruise ship to be operated in France, a Hong Kong catamaran ferry, and a Japanese inter-island Ro-Pax.
Germany's Reederei Norden-Frisia names new electric ferry
German shipping company Reederei Norden-Frisia recently held a formal naming ceremony for its newest all-electric ferry.
Frisia E-I was delivered earlier this year shortly after the completion of its final acceptance trials, which fulfiled the requirements for official approval, the necessary permits, the conclusion of necessary insurance, and the transfer to its home port of Norddeich.
Japanese operator places inter-island ferry into service
Japanese shipping company Koshikishima Shosen placed a new Ro-Pax ferry into service on the route between the city of Ichikikushikino on Kyushu and the nearby Koshikishima Islands on Thursday, March 20.
Yui Line Koshiki was built by Naikai Zosen Corporation. The ferry has a length of 73 metres, a beam of 13.2 metres, a draught of 3.75 metres, and a depth of 9.6 metres.
Tech startup to introduce solar-powered ferries on Singapore River
Singapore-based technology startup Pyxis will introduce a fleet of ten solar-powered electric commuter vessels into service on the Singapore River within this year.
The first two boats will enter service in April while the remaining eight will be handed over at a rate of one every other month. The long-term goal is to replace half of the fleet of 20 boats belonging to local operator WaterB.
Viking's newest river cruise ship to be operated in France
Switzerland-based Viking River Cruises took delivery of a new river cruise ship from German shipbuilder Neptun Werft on Tuesday, March 18.
Named after a deity in Scandinavian mythology, Viking Nerthus is equipped with a hybrid system consisting of a diesel-electric drive and a battery pack. Nepturn Werft said this will absorb peak loads and save fuel, in addition to generating significantly reduced vibrations.
Hong Kong's Sun Ferry acquires new commuter catamaran
Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.
Constructed by China's AFAI Southern Shipyard, the all-aluminium ferry features a main deck with spacious seating for 171 passengers, dedicated areas for pets, and designated wheelchair spaces. Large windows and ergonomic seating allow passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the outside.
Scotland's Caledonian Maritime Assets identifies lead bidder for small ferries contract
The lead bidder for a contract to build seven new electric ferries has been identified by UK transport company Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL).
The company said it intends to award the contract to Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdansk, Poland, following a 10-day standstill period.
