Ferry newbuilding market goes from strength to strength

摘要

The ferry sector remains bullish for ropax enquiries and orders. The market goes from strength to strength centred on demand for larger tonnage to cover longer distance ferry routes. The last two years saw orders recorded for 58 and 60 vessels respectively. Order activity may be slacker this year due to long lead delivery times stretching into 2023. The long wait will not necessarily concern owners because more newbuildings are selecting different forms of dual propulsion including LNG, hydrogen, battery and electric sources of power. LPG may also enter the dual power choice in the future. Some of these fuels are in the early application stages so prospective owners of newbuildings can reserve judgement on the final propulsion arrangement until construction is close to starting.