A new generation of ferries for Hong Kong under BV class
The ferries will transport over 5 million passengers annually between Hong Kong and outlying islands Lamma Island, Peng Chau, and Hei Ling Chau (Source: Cheoy Lee Shipyard)
Hong Kong yard Cheoy Lee will build nine high-speed passenger ferries with hybrid propulsion that will transport over 5 million passengers per year around Hong Kong. The 35m- and 40m-long ferries are classed by Bureau Veritas with the notation Electric Hybrid and Zero Emission (“ZE”) mode. Delivery is scheduled between the end of 2023 and early 2025.
All nine vessels will be fitted with about 102m2 of solar panels along with battery systems to capture solar energy for on board electricity consumption. The hybrid-propelled vessels will also be fitted with air-cooled Lithium-ion modular battery systems as an alternative propulsion system. Eight will be build using carbon fibre composite materials and the other will be aluminium.
The vessels will be built under the Hong Kong Government Vessel Subsidy Scheme (VSS) to replace existing ferries and upgrade safety and environmental standards, including compliance with the High-Speed Craft Code 2000.
Marine diesel engines compliant with IMO Tier III requirements will be fitted as the main propulsion system. In addition, two of the nine vessels will be propelled by diesel-electric hybrid propulsion systems as part of a trial programme led by Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department. This will enable these ferries to operate in zero-emission mode as an option during manoeuvering and berthing.
