China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai has started to build another LNG-fueled ferry for Sweden’s Stena.
The Chinese yard said in a statement it held a steel-cutting ceremony for the hull number W0278 on September 2. Representatives from Stena and DNV attended the event as well.
This is the eleventh E-Flexer class RoPax vessel China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai will build for Stena RoRo.
Earlier this year, the yard started building the tenth Stena vessel, which will go on charter to Canada’s Marine Atlantic.
This 11th ship will serve France’s Brittany Ferries under a deal for two ferries the firm signed with Stena RoRo last year.
Both of the 194.7 meters long hybrid vessels will sail on LNG but they will also feature batteries and shore-side power.
The Chinese yard expects to complete this first vessel (W0278) in the second half of 2024, followed by the second in 2025.
These two vessels add to the LNG-powered Salamanca, while it sister vessel Santona should join Brittany Ferries later this year.