A keel-laying ceremony for two fully electric ferries (hereinafter referred to as “the Ferries”) built by Ocean Crown Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Ocean Crown”) was held at the shipyard in Nansha District, Guangzhou on May 29, marking the official start of hull assembly for the vessel project.
The Ferries will be among Malaysia’s first environment-friendly electric ferries, marking a significant milestone in China and Malaysia’s joint efforts to advance green shipping and deepen economic and trade cooperation. They will also help expand industrial collaboration with ASEAN countries and enhance the influence of international shipping services.
The Ferries are Bureau Veritas (BV) certified, with a total length of 24.35 meters, a beam of 7.60 meters, a depth of 3.15 meters and a maximum draft of 1.39 meters. They have an enclosed wheelhouse and a fully sealed passenger cabin. They have a crew of four and can carry 104 passengers. The vessels adopt a wave-piercing aluminum catamaran design with an aluminum superstructure. Powered by CATL LFP batteries with a total capacity of 1,425 kWh, the Ferries are fitted with two 352kW main propulsion motors and two L-drive propulsion units. They can achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots and a regular service speed of 12–14 knots with a cruising range of 30 nautical miles, providing low-carbon, eco-friendly operation as well as stable and efficient navigation.
In 2025, Nansha’s ship exports totaled 16.7 billion yuan. In the first quarter of 2026, exports hit 8 billion yuan, a year-on-year surge of nearly three times. To date, Nansha has developed into South China’s largest and most integrated shipbuilding and marine engineering equipment cluster, supported by advanced technological capabilities throughout the industrial chain. It serves as a key hub within one of China’s three major shipbuilding bases.
Reporter | Li Xindi
Photo | Nansha District Bureau of Commerce