Norwegian ferry builder Brødrene Aa, Hyen, has received an order for three high-speed carbon fiber catamaran ferries intended for the Chinese market.

As informed, the company signed a contract with Zhongshan Hong Kong Passenger Shipping Co-op Co., Ltd.

The construction of the vessels is expected to begin at the shipyard in Hyen in November 2017. To be completed and delivered by June 2019, the ferries will operate between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, according to Brødrene Aa.

With a capacity of 300 passengers, two of the vessels will feature a length of 42 meters and have a maximum operating speed of 40 knots. The third vessel will measure 42 meters in length as well, however, it will have a capacity of 230 passengers and a maximum operating speed of 37 knots.

"This contract represents an important milestone in our efforts to penetrate the Chinese market," Tor Øyvin Aa, CEO of Brødrene Aa, said.

In 2015, Chinese Chu Kong Shipping made an equity investment in Brødrene Aa. The objective was to establish a joint composite manufacturing facility in China as well as to provide market opportunities for completed vessels from Brødrene Aa’s yard in Norway.

"With vessels operating long hours at speeds of 40 knots you really capitalize on the benefits of carbon fiber constructions. Lighter vessels render lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. This contract will allow us to demonstrate the benefits our vessels bring to the markets in China and other Asian markets as well," Brødrene Aa's CEO added.