Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has⁤ won a notable ⁤contract to construct two‌ new hybrid roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) ships for new ZealandS Ferry Holdings, according⁤ to ​a statement released by GSI. The contract was signed on November 27, ‌2023.

The vessels are⁣ specifically designed for service⁣ across the Cook Strait, a‍ notoriously challenging stretch ‍of water separating the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Each ship will measure ‌200 meters in length and 28 meters in width, boasting a substantial passenger capacity ⁣of 1,530 individuals.

Beyond​ passenger‌ transport, the RoPax ⁤ferries will accommodate significant freight capacity, featuring a 2.4-kilometer hybrid ⁣lane for vehicles and dedicated space⁤ for 40 railway wagons. A key feature of the design is a hybrid power system, allowing the ships to seamlessly switch between diesel and electric propulsion, contributing to reduced emissions and improved environmental performance.

GSI brings over two decades of specialized experience in RoPax vessel construction to this project. The shipyard emphasizes its⁢ commitment to world-class‌ standards in noise and vibration control. GSI currently holds⁣ the global record for the highest ‍number of ⁢RoPax vessels built and delivered, ‍with its ships currently operating in diverse maritime environments including the Bohai bay, the South China sea, the baltic Sea, the ⁤North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the English Channel.

Source: ⁢Li xindi and ren ⁢Yi reporting;​ Photography by Zhong⁣ Wei.⁤ Edited by Huang Qini, James Campion, and Shen He.