VESSEL REVIEW | Jianzhen – New large ferry for China-Japan sailings

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

Hybrid setup delivering increased efficiency

The newbuild has an LOA of 167.2 metres (548.6 feet), a beam of 25 metres (82 feet), a design draught of six metres (20 feet), a gross tonnage of 20,000, and capacity for 192 passengers, vehicles, and 334 TEU including 60 refrigerated containers. 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. A medium-voltage shore power connection is also available for the ferry to draw electrical power from the local grid while at berth.

Improved safety features

Jianzhen is also notable for being the first Chinese-designed Ro-Pax ferry to meet SOLAS 2020 stability standards in addition to satisfying safe return to port (SRTP) requirements. To help minimise the spread of infectious airborne diseases, the vessel has emergency isolation rooms with independent AC units and sewage discharge pipe systems.

The ferry has an intelligent system to be used for centralised management and processing of ship-to-shore data via satellite communication, 4G/5G, and other links. This will provide an efficient, stable, and safe data environment and software operation environment for intelligent energy efficiency management, intelligent engine room management, and intelligent navigation. The onboard accommodations meanwhile include passenger cabins, a restaurant, a bar, lounges, and a small cinema.

Design work on Jianzhen was completed in compliance with China Classification Society rules. The ferry’s initial sailings with CHINJIF will consist of weekly departures from the cities of Kobe, Osaka, and Shanghai. The vessel is presently transporting only freight but will commence voyages with embarked passengers in September of this year.