Hong Kong receives first carbon fibre hybrid high-speed passenger ship

Hong Kong has taken a step toward more sustainable maritime transportation with the delivery of the region’s first carbon fibre hybrid high-speed passenger ship.

The delivery of the New Pearl 6 took place in a ceremony that was held on 8 August in Guangzhou.

Built with advanced carbon fibre materials, the ship offers benefits such as reduced weight, corrosion resistance, and low noise levels. It has a capacity of 500 passengers and incorporates new materials, energy sources, and hybrid propulsion technology.

The vessel features a hybrid waterjet propulsion system, including two battery compartments that allow it to operate in pure electric mode. This capability enables the New Pearl 6 to sail up to 21 nautical miles at a speed of 10 knots on electric power alone. When entering and leaving Victoria Harbor, the vessel can switch entirely to electric propulsion to lower emissions.

The vessel was developed by the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation’s Guangzhou Company, which managed the production of an additional 11 similar vessel. The ship is designed for Hong Kong First Ferry and will be used in the Hong Kong New Ferry Outlying Islands Project.

Operators hope that the introduction of the New Pearl 6 to Hong Kong’s transport network will contribute to more eco-friendly water transportation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.