New RoPax design for South China Sea

Knud E. Hansen and CS Marine have already developed concept and tender designs for the ship. The contract for construction of the first vessel has been awarded to China's Bo Hai Shipyard by the government of Hainan Province.
The ship will be a conventionally propelled RoRo passenger vessel designed to transport vehicles and containers on a single cargo deck in compliance with China Classification Society rules and Chinese flag regulations, according to Knud E. Hansen. It will be able to transport 444 passengers in high standard accommodations and a crew of 91.
The cargo capacity will comprise approximately 350 lane metres for cars and trucks, about 1,200 tonnes of containers or a combination of the two on the car deck. Extra capacity for fresh water and HFO will allow the vessel to provide service to some of the area's minor islands. Cargo will roll in and out of the vessel via a quarter ramp on the starboard side.
Multiple operating modes are planned, such as regular ferry service between ports and cruises of up to 30 days. Particular attention will be paid to comfort, and the vessel is to be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 19 knots in normal sea conditions.
Common areas will include a sun deck, an Internet café, a cigar bar, library and conference rooms, dedicated VIP dining area, cinema and 200-seat cafeteria. Keen to give a distinctive look to the vessel, its owner has placed particular emphasis on the funnel.
Knud E. Hansen said the vessel would be developed with an optimised workflow in mind to allow maximum operational efficiency, including boat-to-boat embarkation required at islands without dedicated berthing facilities.