Two New Chinese Fast Ferries Taking Shape

Construction is well progressed on a pair of 40-meter catamaran passenger ferries at AFAI Southern Shipyard, in the Peoples Republic of China, designer Incat Crowther said on Wednesday.

To be operated by the Zhuhai Fast Ferry Company, the vessels will form the next generation of sleek, fast, low fuel consumption ferries operating in the Pearl River Delta region.

The Incat Crowther-designed vessels will accommodate 199 economy passengers on a single deck with VIP passengers having a dedicated cabin on the upper deck. The main passenger deck features all amenities aft to maximize crew comfort and deliver an open, airy cabin with clean forward visibility.

The newbuilds will be powered by twin MTU 12V2000 M72 main engines, driving Rolls Royce Kamewa S71-4 waterjets.

The latest hull form is used for the vessels featuring Incat Crowther’s unique reverse bow which optimizes hull efficiency and seakeeping characteristics delivering reduced operating costs and exceptional passenger comfort, according to the designer, who said the hull form has been rigorously tested in service.

Incat Crowther noted it has delivered the designs for more than 50 ferries currently in operation in China.

Principal dimensions
Length Overall: 42.8m
Length Waterline: 40.8m
Beam Overall: 10m
Draft (hull): 1.2m
Depth: 3.2m
Construction: Marine grade aluminum

Capacities
Fuel Oil: 7,000 liters
Fresh Water: 1,000 liters
Sullage: 1,000 liters
Passengers: 199
Crew: 7

Propulsion
Main Engines: 2 x MTU 12V2000 M72
Power: 2 x 1,440kW at 2,250rpm
Propulsion: 2 x Rolls Royce Kamewa S71-4 waterjets

Regulatory
Flag: China
Class / Survey: CCS