China: Cheoy Lee’s Largest GRP Catamaran Is Popular Choice for Ferry Operators

Cheoy Lee’s largest GRP catamaran model continues to be a popular choice for local ferry routes within Hong Kong waters. Designed by Incat Crowther, these 32m vessels are based on an extendable 24-28m design originally developed for Cheoy Lee in 1998.

Several other successful catamaran designs have since galvanised a very successful relationship between Cheoy Lee and Incat Crowther.

The extension to 32 metres came at the request Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry (HKKF) in 2009. HKKF already operated three of the vessels at 28m in length, and SEA SPIRIT is the fourth 32m model in their fleet, and the second in the latest batch of two vessels ordered.

Propulsion is by twin Cummins KTA38-M2 diesels, each developing 1,007kW at 1,900rpm. Driving four bladed fixed pitch propellers through ZF 4540 gearboxes, the vessels have a service speed of 25knots. AC electrical power, primarily for powering the air-conditioning system, is provided by two Perkins 67kW generators, each independently capable of supporting the AC electrical loads.

Seating for 221 passengers is arranged on the main deck, with a further 204 seats on the upper deck, 58 of which are arranged on the exterior aft deck, with drop dow side screens for weather protection.

Principal Dimensions: 32.00m LOA x 8.10m Beam x 1.95m Draft.

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Cheoy Lee, January 2, 2013; Image: