Chinese shipbuilder CIMC Raffles has recently delivered the 3,300-lane-metre high-performance clean-energy ro-ro vessel ‘Skipanes’ to Faroese Islands shipping company Smyril Line at its Longkou base.
The vessel is the first of two ro-ro newbuilds under a contract signed between the two parties in 2024. This delivery not only marks the successful implementation of the bilateral partnership but is said to underscore CIMC Raffles’ engineering and construction prowess in the design and building of premium clean-energy ro-ro vessels, setting a benchmark for the company’s global footprint in the high-end ro-ro market.
Designed for the demanding North Atlantic operating environment, Skipanes measures 189m in length overall, with a moulded breadth of 27.2m, a design draught of 6m, and a design service speed of 18 knots. The vessel is classed by DNV and equipped with a high-efficiency propulsion system designed for high manoeuvrability and reliability even under severe sea conditions. Built to methanol-ready specifications, it incorporates a battery system and shore connection capability, achieving an optimal balance between operational efficiency and low-carbon performance.
As the first-of-its-kind high-end ro-ro newbuilding undertaken by CIMC Raffles on an EPC lump-sum turnkey basis, the project presented challenges, including stringent construction standards, low-carbon technology integration, and rigorous design requirements tailored for North Atlantic service conditions. From detailed drawing optimisation to precision on-site fabrication, the yard says its project team overcame the lack of prior construction experience through solid workmanship, stringent quality control, and highly effective project execution. Throughout the process, the vessel received consistent recognition and approval from both the owner and the classification society, demonstrating CIMC Raffles’ capability and commitment to delivery performance.
Skipanes is scheduled to be deployed on the trade routes connecting the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and mainland Europe.
Image: ‘Skipanes’ (source: CIMC Raffles)
