The 2024-built Xin Ming Zhu III (IMO 1079931) is a high-speed passenger ferry constructed with carbon fiber. The vessel was officially delivered in Hong Kong on Tuesday, December 31st, marking a significant advancement in China’s maritime engineering.
This is China's largest carbon fiber ferryboat by passenger volume (500 seats), with LOA length 44.75 m (147 ft) and beam/width 11 m (36 ft).
The new ferry features a lightweight carbon fiber construction that offers several benefits over traditional metal designs, including reduced weight, enhanced corrosion resistance, and lower operational noise. These attributes contribute to improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and environmental gains such as lower emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
The vessel's design builds on an established model, optimized to meet the specific demands of Hong Kong's outlying island routes. Structural enhancements ensure resilience under diverse operating conditions, including safe navigation in wind speeds up to force 8.
Xin Ming Zhu III also incorporates lithium battery packs and solar energy panels, enabling the operation of key electrical systems while docked and further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The ship debuted in Nansha-Guangzhou (Guangdong China) on November 4th, 2024, as part of the Hong Kong Outlying Islands project. Commissioned by Guangzhou Shipbuilding Industry Corp (subsidiary of CSSC/China State Shipbuilding Corporation), the vessel is the 8th in a planned series of 11 ferries designed for operations in Hong Kong City.
Passenger ferries are an integral part of Hong Kong's transportation network, serving both residents and tourists. On the Central-Cheung Chau route, for instance, daily passenger numbers can peak at 70,000 during events. The Hong Kong Sun Ferry Company, which operates the route, transports approximately 12 million passengers annually, underscoring the importance of vessels like the Xin Ming Zhu III in sustaining the region’s connectivity and economic activity.