BV to class hybrid ferries with battery and solar power

Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has revealed it will class two hybrid ferries, which will be equipped with battery and solar power technology for operation in Hong Kong.

Designed by CoCo Yachts, a Dutch naval architect design and development company, the Urban Sprinters 1000 vessels will be operated by Sun Ferry Services Company Limited.

They will transport around 4 million passengers a year between Central Pier and Cheung Chau Pier, in Hong Kong domestic waters.

Both ferries will be built by YaGuang Technology in Zhuhai, China, and will have an aluminium hull and superstructure.

According to the company, the first vessel will be built with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and will be zero emission when sailing within pier boundaries as well as during berthing.

The second ship will be built with diesel-electric propulsion. Both ferries will have a battery pack for overnight energy to avoid diesel generators running.

Each vessel will be fitted with four IMO tier III diesel generators, of which three will typically be in service, and one will be on standby. The vessels will also be equipped with four Azimuth L-type thrusters, each fitted with a PM electric motor, the company noted. The service speed will be 16 knots.

The third deck will be an open area accessible to passengers for sightseeing purposes. The area will be partly covered by solar panels, which will help to reduce the vessel’s overall emissions.

The design and building of the vessel will be surveyed and certified by Bureau Veritas. All flag-related items, including safety and stability, will be delegated from Hong Kong Marine Department to BV.

“BV is honoured to support the project from its inception, providing full plan approval and design support, and we are happy to help advance innovation that is much needed to achieve a carbon neutral and sustainable future for the benefit of all marine stakeholders, the environment and society as a whole,” Alex Gregg-Smith, Senior Vice President & Chief Executive, North Asia and China at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said.

The first Urban Sprinter 1000 hybrid is expected to be delivered in Q2 2024, while the second vessel will be delivered in Q1 2025.