China-Japan International Ferry begins operating new hybrid Ro-Pax

China-Japan International Ferry (CHINJIF), a joint Chinese- and Japanese-owned transport company, recently commended operational sailings of a new Ro-Pax ferry built by China Merchants Jinling Shipbuilding (Weihai). Named Jian Zhen Hao, the vessel was designed by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI).

The newbuild has an LOA of 167.2 metres, a beam of 25 metres, a design draught of six metres, a gross tonnage of 20,000, and capacity for 192 passengers, vehicles, and 334 TEUs. The hybrid propulsion system delivers a speed of 21 knots.

The hybrid propulsion arrangement includes a four-stroke engine that can achieve a six per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared to powerplants of similar size and output. The engine satisfies EEDI Phase III and NOx emission requirements in addition to generating significantly reduced vibrations and noise.

Design work on Jian Zhen Hao was completed in compliance with China Classification Society rules. The ferry's initial sailings with CHINJIF will encompass the cities of Kobe, Osaka, and Shanghai.