Zuhai fast cats to have Rolls-Royce propulsion package

​FEBRUARY 26, 2015 — Rolls-Royce is to supply waterjets and high speed MTU diesel engines to power two new aluminum catamaran fast ferries for Chinese ferry operator Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Ferry Co Ltd.

Designed by CoCo Yachts in the Netherlands and being built to its Coastal Cruiser CC 288 design, the vessels are now under construction at China’s AFAI Southern Shipyard. With a length of 41.5 m and 10.0 m beam, they are designed for the rapid transportation of up to 288 passengers in safety and in considerable comfort.

Each ferry will be driven by an MTU 16V 4000 M70 engine delivering 2,240 kW, to give a top speed of 34 knots.

The ferries will be some of the first to feature the highly efficient Rolls-Royce Steel S71-4 waterjets.

Richard Wang, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President – Commercial Marine, said: “These waterjets are developed specifically to meet the reduced speed requirements of many high-speed ferry operators. Our expertise in hydrodynamic analysis has enabled us to further develop our product in response to market conditions and specific customer requirements.

“This is all the more important in terms of future business opportunities, because many fast ferries operating on the busy South China routes are due for upgrades. I am convinced that, with this strong endorsement from Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Ferry, more ferry operators in the region will consider switching to our more cost and energy efficient propulsion systems.”

The catamaran design is to China Classification Society High Speed Passenger Ferry notation and the hull optimized for high speeds with good sea keeping. The first ferry is scheduled to be delivered by the shipbuilder in December this year and will serve routes in the Pearl Delta, between Zhuhai, Shekou and Hong Kong.