China-built 240m LNG ferries with 5,400 lane meters capacity land major equipment deal

Two new 240-meter battery-hybrid LNG ferries being built in China for TT-Line will receive a major cargo-handling equipment package for their Baltic Sea operations. MacGregor has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to supply comprehensive roll-on/roll-off equipment for the two vessels, marking one of its most extensive scopes for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries to date. The vessels will carry freight and passengers on Baltic Sea routes connecting Sweden, Germany, Poland and Lithuania. Each will have 5,400 lane meters of cargo capacity and accommodation for up to 1,000 people. They are part of TT-Line’s Green Ship 2.0 program, which is designed to increase transport capacity while improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of ferry operations. The vessels will use LNG-hybrid propulsion supported by an onboard battery energy storage system with between 5.5 and 10 megawatt-hours of capacity, according to TT-Line. The system can be expanded in the future as the ships move toward greater electrification. The contracts cover several roll-on/roll-off equipment systems for each vessel. Roll-on/roll-off technology allows wheeled cargo such as trucks and trailers to be driven directly onto and off a ship, making efficient loading and unloading important for vessels handling both freight and passengers. More cargo, faster turnarounds The new ferries are designed to handle substantial freight volumes across the Baltic while also carrying passengers. Their large cargo decks will give TT-Line more room for wheeled freight on each sailing. The battery system adds another layer to the vessels’ design. TT-Line says it will enable silent and emission-free operation during port stays and maneuvering. Enhanced shore-power connections will also support high-capacity battery charging while the vessels are in port. The hybrid system combines battery storage with LNG propulsion and power-management technology. TT-Line says the arrangement is designed to optimise energy consumption, reduce peak loads and give the vessels greater operational flexibility. The ships are also designed for fully electric operation in the future. “Our Green Ship 2.0 program is a cornerstone of TT-Line’s commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency transport across the Baltic Sea,” says Bernhard Termühlen, Managing Director at TT-Line. “Equipping these vessels with high-performance, reliable cargo handling systems is essential for optimising our port turnarounds and delivering high service standards for our freight and passenger customers. We value MacGregor’s technical expertise and shared dedication to continuous improvement as we work together to set new environmental standards in ferry transport.” Engineering for faster ports The first vessel is expected to enter service on the Baltic Sea before summer 2030, according to TT-Line. MacGregor says the order is one of its most extensive roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry scopes to date. The company will supply multiple roll-on/roll-off equipment items per vessel and support the vessels across their operational lifecycles. “We are proud to continue our partnership with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard and TT-Line on this ambitious Green Ship 2.0 program,” says Magnus Sjöberg, Executive Vice President, Merchant Solutions Division at MacGregor. “By combining technical refinements with a passion for continuous improvement, our cross-border teams across Sweden, China, Poland, Germany and Croatia have delivered an integrated cargo handling solution.” For TT-Line, the ships represent the next stage of its fleet renewal, while MacGregor’s equipment will handle a less visible but critical part of their operation: moving freight on and off the vessels efficiently.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.