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Bureau Veritas to class nine new-generation Hong Kong ferries
The passenger ferries will transport over 5M passengers annually on three routes between Hong Kong and outlying islands Lamma Island, Peng Chau and Hei Ling Chau
The nine high-speed craft will measure between 35 and 40 m; eight vessels will be in full carbon fibre composite and one unit will be in full aluminium.
This new generation of vessels will be built under the Hong Kong Government Vessel Subsidy Scheme to replace the existing ferries, upgrading safety and environmental standards including ensuring compliance with the safety standard 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-emissions mode as an option during manoeuvring and berthing.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore senior vice president and chief executive, North Asia and China Alex Gregg-Smith said, “Ferries are vital in Hong Kong. And as the ferry market continues to grow in Hong Kong, this growth is accompanied by a need to comply with safety and environmental protection standards. Working in collaboration and supporting all stakeholders involved in this project, Bureau Veritas’ certifications will help ensure ferry safety as well as their comfort, energy efficiency and environmental compliance. Energy efficiency and improved environmental performance have become top priorities to reduce operational costs and meet stricter environmental regulations.”
All nine of the ferries will be fitted with approximately 102 m2 solar panels and battery systems to capture solar energy for onboard electricity consumption. The hybrid vessels will also be fitted with air-cooled Lithium-ion modular battery systems as an alternative propulsion system.
The ferries will be built in Hong Kong by Cheoy Lee with delivery expected between the end of 2023 and early 2025.
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