Malaysia’s first electric ferries keel laid in Guangzhou’s Nansha

The keel‑laying ceremony for two fully electric ferries built by Ocean Crown Technology was held on May 29 at a shipyard in Nansha District, Guangzhou, officially starting hull assembly for the vessels [2]. The ferries, certified by Bureau Veritas, are among Malaysia’s first environmentally‑friendly electric passenger ships.

Key takeaways

• The ceremony took place on May 29, 2024, in Nansha, Guangzhou [2]
• Each ferry is 24.35 m long, 7.60 m wide, with a 1.39 m draft and can carry 104 passengers [2]
• Propulsion comes from CATL LFP batteries (1,425 kWh) driving two 352 kW motors, giving a max speed of 15 knots [2]
• The vessels use a wave‑piercing aluminum catamaran design and have an enclosed wheelhouse and sealed passenger cabin [2]
• A similar electric ferry launched in Nansha in September is undergoing performance tests before Hong Kong service, highlighting regional cooperation [6]

Joint green‑shipping milestone in Guangzhou

The two ferries, constructed by Ocean Crown Technology, feature a wave‑piercing aluminum catamaran hull and an aluminum superstructure, a design chosen for stability and efficiency. Powered by lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by CATL, the vessels store 1,425 kWh of energy and are equipped with two L‑drive propulsion units. This configuration enables a regular service speed of 12–14 knots and a cruising range of about 30 nautical miles, providing low‑carbon operation for short‑haul routes [2]. With a crew of four, the ferries are intended to serve routes that demand quick, reliable service while reducing emissions.

The project is presented as a key element of China‑Malaysia cooperation on green shipping, aiming to deepen economic and trade ties and expand industrial collaboration with ASEAN nations. Nansha’s shipbuilding cluster, described as South China’s largest and most integrated marine engineering hub, supports the venture with advanced technological capabilities across the supply chain [2]. The region’s ship export figures—16.7 billion yuan in 2025 and 8 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2026—underscore its growing capacity for high‑tech vessel production [2].

Why it matters

The keel‑laying marks the transition from design to physical construction for Malaysia’s first electric ferries, signaling progress in the country’s shift toward sustainable maritime transport. The involvement of a Chinese shipyard and the use of internationally certified components illustrate a broader trend of cross‑border collaboration in green technology. According to a related report, an electric ferry launched in Nansha earlier this year is now undergoing performance trials before entering service in Hong Kong, indicating that similar projects are moving toward operational readiness [6]. As the vessels near completion, they will provide a test case for electric propulsion in regional ferry services, potentially influencing future procurement decisions across Southeast Asia.