Order of complete propulsion package

The newbuilding “Shen Shen 2”, which will be constructed at the Chinese Huanghai shipyard, will be equipped with a twin-screw propulsion plant comprising two MAN 9L32/40 (IMO Tier-II compliant) four-stroke engines manufactured by MAN Diesel & Turbo in Augsburg, Germany, two Renk single-reduction gearboxes with PTO shaft to drive alternators, and two MAN CP propellers using the new, high efficiency type Alpha VBS1020 Mk 5 design.
Additionally, the Alphatronic 2000 has been designated as propulsion control system. MAN Diesel & Turbo Frederikshavn, Denmark, has announced its support of the integration of the full propulsion package. The new ferry will be capable of reaching a design speed of 18 knots.
The regional increase in tourism is an important driver for the order of the ferry. The city of Weihai and its hinterland has a fast-developing and attractive seaside location and is currently experiencing growing numbers of tourists from Northern China, especially from the Dalian area.

Weihai Haida is the exclusive operator on the route between the major cities of Weihai and Dalian on opposite sides of the Bohai strait in Northeastern China where it operates a RoPax service. The company currently has two vessels in its fleet operating on the route – the “Xin Shen Shen” and “Shen Shen 1” – with the former shortly due to exit service.