Passenger Vessel News Roundup | February 22 – US and Russian cruise ships plus harbour ferries for Hong Kong

Construction begins on a new LNG-fuelled cruise ship as orders are placed for sea/river cruise ships for Russia, an ice-capable expedition ship for a US operator, and two harbour ferries for a Hong Kong transport line.

Hong Kong operator orders 1,000-pax harbour ferries

Hong Kong transport operator Sun Ferries has placed orders for two double-ended harbour ferries in a series to be built by YaGuang Technology Company in China.

Designed by Netherlands-based CoCo Yachts in compliance to Bureau Veritas class rules, the all-aluminium vessels will be operated daily between Hong Kong’s Central and Cheung Chau piers. Each ferry can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers on two decks, which also have wheelchair spaces, pet areas, and a baby care room.

Each vessel will be fitted with four IMO Tier III diesel generators. Three generators will be used as main service units while the fourth will be on standby.

Azimuthing thrusters driven by electric motors will deliver a service speed of 16 knots.

The ferries are scheduled to be delivered between the second quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

Construction begins on Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship

Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku has cut the first steel to be used in the construction of the second Icon-class cruise ship ordered by Royal Caribbean International.

As with earlier sister Icon of the Seas, the yet unnamed ship will have capacity for 5,600 passengers and an LNG propulsion system that also includes fuel cells. The fuel cells will also be used as a lower-emission alternative energy source for generating onboard electricity as well as fresh water.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

Russian yard to build sea/river cruise ship trio

Russian shipyard Krasnoye Sormovo has been awarded a contract for the construction of three Project PV300 cruise ships capable of both inland and ocean sailings.

The vessels’ areas of operation will include the Gulf of Finland and the Black, Caspian, and White Seas. During winter, the ships may be converted for use as floating hotels.

Deliveries are scheduled for the 2025-2026 timeframe.

SunStone Ships to get additional Infinity-class expedition vessel

US operator SunStone Ships has placed an order for an additional Infinity-class expedition cruise vessel to be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry Haimen.

Among the notable facilities on the 104-metre vessel is a two-level bow lounge with panoramic windows. Space will also be available for 199 passengers and a 101-strong crew.

The ship will be built to ice class 1A and Safe Return to Port certifications.