New high-speed catamarans will be operated by Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Ferry Company
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Rolls-Royce is to supply waterjets and high-speed diesel engines for two new catamaran fast ferries, which will be operated by Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Ferry Company in China.
The ferries will be some of the first to feature the highly efficient Rolls-Royce Steel S71-4 waterjets.
“These waterjets are developed specifically to meet the reduced speed requirements of many high-speed ferry operators,” said Richard Wang, senior vice president of Commercial Marine at Rolls-Royce. “This is important in terms of future business opportunities because many fast ferries operating on the busy South China routes are due for upgrades. With this strong endorsement from Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Ferry, more ferry operators in the region will consider switching to our more cost- and energy-efficient propulsion systems.”
Designed by CoCo Yachts in the Netherlands, the vessels have been developed according to China Classification Society High Speed Passenger Ferry notation. The 41.5m ferries will be powered by MTU 16V 4000 M70 engines, which will enable them to sail at a top speed of 34 knots.
Currently under construction at the AFAI Southern Shipyard in China, the ferries will accommodate up to 288 passengers. The first newbuild is to be delivered this December when she will begin service on routes between Zhuhai, Shekou and Hong Kong.
Rolls-Royce will also work with Spanish energy company Gas Natural Fenosa to develop and install a pure-gas Bergen engine onboard the Baleària-operated ferry Abel Matutes this year.