Chinese yard launches Hong Kong ferry operator’s newest catamaran

Chinese shipbuilder Guangdong Zhongwei Composite Materials has floated out a new hybrid fast catamaran ferry ordered from the company by Hong Kong transport operator Sun Ferry.

When completed, Xin Ming Xhu VI (“New Pearl VI”) will have an LOA of 44.75 metres, a beam of 11 metres, a depth of 3.65 metres, and seating for up to 500 passengers.

A hybrid arrangement of diesel engines and lithium iron phosphate batteries with a total rated output of 645kWh will deliver a service speed of 26 knots. When sailing in fully electric mode, the ferry can cover 21 nautical miles at 10 knots, making it suitable for operation within the zero-emission zones of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.

An energy management system will maximise energy efficiency via peak shaving, thus ensuring that the power supply is always kept within an optimal working range. It is also possible to easily switch between diesel and electric operating modes as the vessel’s speed changes, resulting in a smoother ride.

Design work on Xin Ming Xhu VI was done in compliance to China Classification Society rules.