Norway's Brodrene Aa shipyard has announced a deal to build three fast ferries for a Chinese owner.
It said the 500-gt carbon-fibre catamaran ships will be operated by Zhongshan-Hong Kong Passenger Shipping Co-op Co between Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
Two of the three will carry 300 passengers at 40 knots. The other will have a 230-passenger capacity and a speed of 37 knots.
Construction will begin at the shipyard in Hyen in November. Delivery will be by June 2019.
“This contract represents an important milestone in our efforts to penetrate the Chinese market”, said CEO Tor Oyvin Aa.
It has previously built a ro-pax and a ferry for Panyu Lianhuashan Po of China.
In 2015, Chu Kong Shipping bought into the yard, with the objective of setting up a joint manufacturing facility in China, as well as providing market opportunities for completed vessels.
"With vessels operating long hours at speeds of 40 knots you really capitalise on the benefits of carbon fibre constructions," said Aa.
"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.”
