Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry takes delivery of two new hybrid ferries

The newbuilds were designed by Incat Crowther, built by Cheoy Lee Shipyards and will operate between Hong Kong and three nearby islands

By Laura Hyde | 25 November 2024

Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry (HKKF) has taken delivery of two new hybrid ferries, which were designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Hong Kong-based Cheoy Lee Shipyards. The ferries will service the routes between Hong Kong and the islands of Lamma Island, Peng Chau and Hei Ling Chau.

The 40-metre vessels can carry up to 450 passengers – 300 on the main deck and another 150 passengers on the upper deck. They also include bike hangers, toilets, a 10-metre-square cargo hold on the main deck and additional luggage storage on the upper deck.

One of the new ferries features a carbon hull while the other has an aluminium hull, which will enable the ferry line to measure the operational and sustainability performance of each type over the coming years. Each ferry has a hybrid drive train and lithium-ion energy storage systems which allows them to operate in zero-emissions mode during slow speed transit, berthing and manoeuvring. Both ferries are also fitted with exhaust treatment technology and approximately 30 square metres of solar panels.

The ferries are part of a nine-vessel order by HKKF, which is modernising its fleet. Incat Crowther and Cheoy Lee Shipyards have already delivered two conventional diesel-powered 40-metre vessels. The final five ferries are under construction and are expected to be delivered by 2025.

“The successful on-budget delivery of these two hybrid vessels is a testament to the strong collaboration between the teams at Incat Crowther, Cheoy Lee Shipyards and HKKF,” said Sam Mackay, technical manager at Incat Crowther. “Together, we’ve brought a future-focused ferry platform to life, helping to meet Hong Kong’s growing demand for more sustainable maritime transport options. As operators like HKKF look to reduce their environmental footprint, projects like this showcase the potential of hybrid technologies to contribute to the sustainable expansion of fleets around the world.”