Guangzhou Shipyard International Secures New Zealand Order for Two New Ro-Pax Vessels

On November 27, Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, signed a contract with New Zealand Ferry Holdings Company to build two new ro-pax ferries.

Rendering of the new ro-pax ferries 

Photo provided by WeChat account: Nansha Release

Designed for Cook Strait operations, each vessel will measure 200 meters in length and 28 meters in width, with a capacity for 1,530 passengers. They will be equipped with 2.4 kilometers of hybrid vehicle deck space and stowage for 40 railway freight cars. Utilizing a hybrid power system, the vessels can switch between diesel propulsion (compatible with biofuels) and electric mode, supported by rechargeable battery packs to effectively reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.

With over 20 years of experience in ro-pax construction, GSI has delivered three such vessels this year alone. GSI-built ro-pax ferries are renowned for their streamlined design, refined interiors, and top-notch vibration damping technology, and are currently in service on routes across the Bohai Bay, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean, and English Channel.

These vessels are becoming "floating ambassadors" showcasing the excellence of Chinese shipbuilding on global waters.