Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Limited (HKKF) recently received two new hybrid ferries, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Cheoy Lee Shipyards in Hong Kong. These 40-meter ferries have the capacity to carry up to 450 passengers and will operate on commuter routes between Hong Kong and islands like Lamma Island, Peng Chau, and Hei Ling Chau. One of the ferries features a carbon hull, while the rest in the series will have aluminum hulls. Each vessel is equipped with a hybrid drive train and lithium-ion energy storage systems, enabling zero-emissions operation during slow speed transit and maneuvering.
In a bid to enhance the environmental sustainability of the fleet, all nine vessels will be outfitted with exhaust treatment technology and approximately 30 square meters of solar panels supported by battery technology for zero-emissions onboard power. These ferries are designed to accommodate 300 passengers on the main deck and 150 on the upper deck, along with facilities like bike hangers, lavatories, and cargo storage. Incat Crowther and Cheoy Lee Shipyards are set to deliver a total of nine new vessels to HKKF, including hybrid and conventional diesel-powered ones.
The new hybrid vessels mark a significant modernization of HKKF’s fleet, designed by Incat Crowther in the late 1990s. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, these ferries represent a step towards reducing emissions and improving the overall environmental footprint of the ferry service in Hong Kong. The delivery of the two hybrid vessels is part of a larger project that includes the construction and delivery of seven 40-meter vessels and two 35-meter vessels, with the entire fleet expected to be completed by 2025.
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