Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry. 

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Singapore-headquartered project heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) on Thursday (13 March) said it held a formal naming ceremony for its fifth Super B-Class vessel, AAL Dubai. 

The 32,000 dwt AAL Dubai – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – was officially named on March 12 at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.

The AAL Dubai is engineered to transport a vast array of cargo, including heavy lift project equipment, breakbulk, and dry bulk, all on a single voyage. With a combined lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, this vessel is designed to offer high efficiency, cargo flexibility, and economies of scale to shippers worldwide.

The vessel will now embark on its maiden voyage, joining sister vessels AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, AAL Houston, and AAL Antwerp in serving project cargo customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

“We are now over the halfway mark with our Super B-Class deliveries, and those already in service are exceeding our expectations,” said Liew Teck Liong, Chief Financial Officer at AAL.

“With these vessels, we have achieved both company and industry firsts, and we look forward to redefining what a heavy lift, multipurpose vessel can accomplish as we deploy them for complex cargo challenges.”

Later this year, AAL will take delivery of the AAL Dammam, which will be shortly followed by the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai that have an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes.

Photo credit: AAL Shipping
Published: 18 March, 2025

South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean on Monday (17 March) has secured an order for six 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel ultra-large container ships from Taiwanese shipping major Evergreen Marine.

Several media outlets reported the shipbuilding order is valued at over USD 1.6 billion. 

The ultra-large container ships ordered this time are 400 metres long and 61.5 metres wide and can transport 24,000 containers at once. In particular, these ships will be equipped with Hanwha Ocean’s latest eco-friendly technologies, such as LNG dual-fuel propulsion engines, shaft generator motor systems (SGM), and air lubrication systems (ALS).

“Recently, the shipbuilding industry is rapidly introducing LNG and next-generation eco-friendly fuel propulsion ships against the backdrop of strengthened eco-friendly regulations,” Hanwha Ocean said.

“Evergreen’s choice of LNG dual-fuel propulsion container ships in this contract is interpreted as a strategic choice to meet environmental regulations while maximising fuel efficiency.”

Evergreen is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, operating a fleet of over 200 vessels. Hanwha Ocean, which has strengthened its sales capabilities by joining Hanwha Group, has secured a new customer by forming its first partnership with Evergreen through this contract. 

Kim Hee-chul, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, said, “I would like to thank the ship owners who placed orders and trusted Hanwha Ocean’s technological capabilities. We will continue to lead the eco-friendly ultra-large container ship market based on our differentiated technological capabilities.”

Photo credit: Hanwha Ocean
Published: 18 March, 2025