Passenger Vessel News Roundup | September 20 – Chinese cruise ship, Japanese hydrogen-powered ferry and more

Deliveries include new Ro-Pax ferries for operators in Kiribati and the Philippines. A new Chinese-built large cruise ship completes undergoing sea trials as a Japanese owner christens a hybrid ferry. Finally, orders have been placed for new ferries designed for the conditions of the Persian Gulf.

Philippines’ Lite Shipping adds catamaran newbuild to fleet

Philippine shipowner Lite Shipping Corporation has taken delivery of a new catamaran Ro-Pax ferry for operation under its Lite Ferries brand.

The Lloyd’s-classed Lite Cat 2 was built by Indonesian shipyard Karimun Anugrah Sejati. It measures 60 metres long and has capacity for 453 passengers and up to 37 vehicles including cars, buses, and lorries.

The ferry will be operated primarily between Cebu City and the town of Tubigon in Bohol province in the central Philippines.

Chinese-built ferry delivered to Kiribati owner

China’s Zhoushan Ningxing Shipbuilding has handed over a new Ro-Pax ferry to Kiribati National Shipping Line (KNSL).

Marin Mainiku has an LOA of 39 metres, a draught of 2.2 metres, a depth of 3.6 metres, a gross tonnage of 441, and capacity for 49 passengers, six vehicles, and six containers. Loading and unloading of freight will be done using a large bow ramp.

The ferry was built in compliance to China Classification Society rules.

Sea trials completed for new Chinese cruise ship

Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has completed conducting sea trials of the first large cruise ship to be built in China.

CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping’s Adora Magic City completed six days of sea trials, during which the ship sailed a total of 1,630 nautical miles.

The ship is now undergoing final preparations prior to delivery. Once in service, it will be able to house up to 5,246 guests.

Japan’s MOL christens hydrogen- and biodiesel-powered ferry

Japanese shipowner Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has formally named Japan’s first hybrid passenger vessel to be powered by hydrogen fuel cells, biodiesel, and lithium-ion batteries.

Hanaria was ordered by MOTENA-Sea, a company under the MOL Group, from local builder Hongawara Ship Yard. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in March 2024, and it will commence operational sailings in Fukuoka Prefecture the following month.

MOL said the new ferry will be able to generate at least 53 per cent fewer CO2 emissions compared to vessels powered by conventional fossil fuels.

AD Ports Group to receive new ferries

UAE-based the AD Ports Group has placed orders for two new Ro-Pax ferries in a series for operation between the UAE mainland and Delma Island in the Persian Gulf.

Each ferry will have a length of 56 metres and capacity for 194 passengers and 25 vehicles. Four MTU engines driving Kongsberg KaMeWa waterjets will propel each vessel to a service speed of 35 knots.

Facilities on each ferry will include a VIP room, two cafes, five toilets, and a children’s play area. The main passenger areas will also have space for individuals in wheelchairs.

Sea trials are scheduled to commence in 2024.