On March 24, CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) signed a contract with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to build two new-generation ro-pax vessels, marking another breakthrough for Guangzhou Shipyard International in the international ro-pax vessel market and further consolidating its leading position in the global ro-pax vessel construction field.
The two new-generation ro-pax vessels signed this time are 140 meters long and 23.4 meters wide, with a capacity of 200 passengers and a lane length of 1400 meters. Equipped with four generators and a 4.5MWh battery, they utilize a hybrid electric propulsion system, offering advantages such as environmental friendliness, energy efficiency, and high performance.
Four shipbuilders submitted bids for CMAL’s two new-generation ro-pax vessels in Scotland: Guangzhou Shipyard International, Cemre Shipyard (Turkey), Tersan Shipyard (Turkey), and another Chinese shipbuilder. After considering all factors, GSI’s bid received the highest score and was ultimately awarded the contract.
According to its official website, CMAL operates ferries, ports, and marinas, and provides the infrastructure needed for critical ferry services to Scotland’s west coast, the River Clyde estuary, and the Northern Islands. The company is wholly owned by the Scottish Government, with a Scottish government minister as its sole shareholder.