On November 25th, the keel-laying ceremony for a 45-meter electric propulsion passenger ship, designed by Zhejiang Xinhai Ship Design & Research Institute for Zhoushan Haihua Passenger Transport Co., Ltd., was held at Zhejiang Kailing Shipyard (Zhoushan 4806 Factory).
This new ship was contracted for construction in July this year, with a total investment of 26.75 million yuan. It is designed for 387 passengers, has a wind resistance grade of 9, and utilizes two 350KW low-speed propulsion motors. The expected construction period is about 13 months, and it is planned to be put into operation on the Zhu-Pu Line before the National Day in 2026. This ship is not only the first electric propulsion passenger ship in Zhoushan but also the first achievement transformation of the Yaoguangxing series of electric passenger ships by Zhejiang Xinhai Ship Design & Research Institute.
As the first application ship of the “Yaoguangxing” series, this vessel inherits the advanced design philosophy of Xinhai Ship. The ship highlights the dual advantages of “environmental protection + practicality” from its design to configuration. With a rated passenger capacity of 387, it will become a “large-capacity backbone” for maritime commuting in the Putuo Mountain area. The ship is equipped with two 350KW propulsion motors and three diesel generator sets, achieving lower emission levels; it reaches a speed of 12 knots, with improved energy efficiency. Relying on the electric propulsion system, it achieves low-noise and low-vibration navigation, significantly enhancing the passenger experience.
The ship’s exterior design adopts a modern minimalist yacht style. The passenger cabin interior takes “warm, elegant, and Zen elements” as its core style. Through light and shadow design and scene creation, the warmth of the space is effectively enhanced. The cabin ceiling uses streamlined light strips to simulate the light and shadow effect of undulating waves, combined with hidden ambient lighting, allowing tourists to feel the tranquility and serenity of the “Sea-Sky Buddhist Kingdom” as soon as they enter the cabin.
Currently, the ship will enter the hull construction stage. Its successful realization fulfills the technical transformation commitment of Xinhai Ship’s “Yaoguangxing” series after receiving principle approval from the China Classification Society (CCS); it provides a replicable and promotable practical sample for the power transition of the regional water passenger transport industry; and it opens a new chapter for the high-quality development of Zhoushan’s water passenger transport.
As this passenger ship carrying green dreams sets sail, the Zhoushan shipbuilding industry is using technological innovation as its pen to write the era’s answer sheet for sustainable development on the blue sea.
