On March 21st the 34m long vessel, co-designed and built by Afai Southern shipyard for Shenzhen Xunlong Shipping Ltd, was handed over successfully to the owner. Xun Long 5 is the first one of Afai Southern’s two aluminium catamaran fast ferries for Shenzhen Xunlong Shipping Ltd.
The 34m, 188 passenger vessel features a mix of passenger classes over two decks. The main deck seats 154 economy class passengers. The forward end of the main deck cabin houses a kiosk, forward of which is a crew room. 3 toilets are located aft on this deck, as is a large electrical room. The upper deck seats 40 in booths with tables, as well as lounge that seats 6. There is an 8-passenger VIP room aft and an additional toilet. Four large luggage containers are accommodated on the aft upper deck, and there are stairs to roof deck. The raised wheelhouse offers excellent visibility over the foredeck, with direct access to external wing control stations for easier and safer berthing operations.
Xun Long 5 is powered by a pair of MTU 16V2000 M70 main engines. These engines drive through a pair of ZF4540 gearboxes to MJP 550DD water jets.
The structure and stability of the vessel is designed according to the requirements of greater coastal navigation area. The vessel can resist wind of Beaufort Scale 7 and wave of 4m height.
By adopting advanced design from Australia and propelled by twin propulsion engines and waterjets, the ferry has fine performance of sea keeping, high speed and maneuverability.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, March 22, 2012; Image: Afai Southern shipyard