TWO Australian-designed ferries, delivered to a Hong Kong ferry operator, are to take part in a government trial to reduce emissions from Hong Kong’s local shipping sector.

The vessels were designed by NSW-headquartered marine engineering company Incat Crowther and built by Hong Kong-based Cheoy Lee Shipyards.

Incat Crowther announced on Monday that operator Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Limited had taken delivery of the vessels.

The 40-metre hybrid ferries, one a carbon-hulled vessel and the other an aluminium-hulled vessel, are part of an order for nine vessels (from Incat Crowther and Cheoy Lee Shipyards).

All nine vessels will be involved in the Hong Kong government’s trial. The operational and sustainability performance of the new vessels will be measured over the coming years.

The two newest vessels each have a hybrid drive train and lithium-ion energy storage systems allowing them to operate in zero-emissions mode during slow speed transit, berthing and manoeuvring.

They are also fitted with exhaust treatment technology and about 30 square metres of solar panels supported by battery technology to provide zero-emissions onboard power.

Incat Crowther technical manager Sam Mackay said the company has a strong relationship with Cheoy Lee Shipyards and Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry.

“This project continues our 20-year relationship with Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry, and we are proud to be playing a role in helping to modernise and transition their fleet toward lower-emission solutions,” he said.

“Together, we’ve brought a future-focused ferry platform to life, helping to meet Hong Kong’s growing demand for more sustainable maritime transport options.

“As operators like HKKF look to reduce their environmental footprint, projects like this showcase the potential of hybrid technologies to contribute to the sustainable expansion of fleets around the world.”

Delivery of the two hybrid vessels follows the delivery of two conventional diesel-powered 40-metre vessels.

The final five vessels in the fleet of nine are under construction and expected to be delivered by 2025.