VESSEL REVIEW | Zhongyuan Haiyun Zhixing – New large ferry enters service on China-Taiwan route

China’s COSCO Shipping has taken delivery of a new large Ro-Pax ferry for operation by its subsidiary Xiamen Mintai Ferry.

Built by state-owned Guangzhou Shipyard International, the ferry has been named Zhongyuan Haiyun Zhixing (中远海运之星; “COSCO Shipping Star”). Design work on the vessel was completed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation in compliance with China Classification Society rules.

Built for low-emission cross-strait sailings

The vessel has an LOA of 180 metres (590 feet), a beam of 25.8 metres (84.6 feet), a depth of 9.2 metres (30 feet), a service speed of 20 knots, and space for 300 passengers, 426 containers, refrigerated containers, and assorted rolling freight such as cars and trailers. It will be operated primarily on the Taiwan Strait between Xiamen and China's Fujian province, replacing the earlier ships that had sailed on the same route.

The hull was designed to ensure strong wind and wave resistance, while an intelligent navigation system ensures safe transits even in adverse weather. The main engines are already capable of generating significantly reduced carbon emissions, though these may be configured in the future to operate on methanol to lower emissions even further.

Flexible onboard layout to suit a range of applications

Passengers have access to 77 cabins in various categories including two types of outside suites as well as four-berth single staterooms to accommodate both group and solo travellers.

The interior has been laid out to provide the same feel as that of a luxury hotel while retaining a modular design to allow various onboard configurations such as those suitable for leisure, business travel, and efficient transfer of vehicles and other Ro-Ro cargo.

The other onboard facilities include a dining area with seating for up to 200 people, a game room, a bar, a selection of duty-free shops, and a VIP lounge. The passenger spaces cover a total area of 1,000 square metres (11,000 square feet).

Zhongyuan Haiyun Zhixing was introduced into service partly as a means of enhancing China-Taiwan trade relations.