"Zhong Shan 20" - second 40 knot vessel delivered

Brødrene Aa is pleased to announce the delivery of “Zhong Shan 20”, the second of two 40 knot vessels built to Zhong Shan-Hong Kong Passenger Shipping in China. The formal delivery took place in the city of Zhongshan on the 28th of December, after a month-long ocean transport from Norway. “Zong Shan 20” is the sistership of “Zhong Shan 6” which has already been operating successfully for several months in the Pearl River Delta between Hong Kong and Zhongshan.

Designed for a service speed of 40 knots, the Zhong Shan vessels are the fastest conventional catamarans built by Brødrene Aa to date. The carbon fibre sandwich ferry has a total installed power of only 4,320kW but during trials achieved a speed of 40 knots at 100% maximum cruise rating when carrying 35 deadweight tonnes. A speed of 41 knots was recorded with 25 deadweight tonnes on board and 44 knots with “a low deadweight”.

For high speed vessels like this, we really benefit from the carbon fiber composite construction. Due to the low structural weight and efficient design, we are able to reduce fuel consumption by more than 35% compared to our competitors, says Tor Øyvin Aa managing director at Brødrene Aa.

Both vessels are equipped with four MTU 12V2000 engines and propelled by S56 waterjets from Rolls Royce. The vessel has a waterline length of  42m, beam of 10,8m and a passenger capacity of 300.

Picture: Ecomony class saloon on main deck

The accommodation spans over two decks and includes an economy class, a first class and separate VIP rooms. The interior is open and spacious with a high standard of quality. Even on economy class you find leather seats with armrests and adjustable backs. Both decks has a refreshment kiosk where you can buy food and drinks, and passengers can enjoy a great view of the scenery through the 2x1m large panoramic windows

Although operating in very high speeds, the noise level on board is still extremely low. In the main cabin-area noise levels are between 58 to 65 decibel.

For more about the vessel type, please visit the vessels information page or see artilcle from Shippax Info. Below you can also find a video of “Zhong Shan 6” recorded during commissioning at the yard.