TT-Line orders new next-generation Ferries
The German shipping company TT-Line has signed a Letter of Intent with the Chinese shipyard Jinling Shipyard (part of CMI Jinling) for 1+1 new next-generation RoPax Ferries.
TT-Line is thus continuing on its path towards more modern, larger and environmentally friendly Ferries.
What will the next generation of TT-Line Ferries bring?
According to the shipyard/TT-Line, the newbuildings will have the following key data:
- Length about 240 meters (i.e. about +10 m compared to the current ships)
- Capacity for up to 1,000 passengers (i.e. +200 compared to previously)
- Drive as LNG hybrid (“dual-fuel”) – i.e. liquefied natural gas plus other drive options if necessary
- Order placed with Jinling, already familiar partnership with TT-Line.
This means that the TT-Line newbuilds will be larger than the ships Nils Holgersson and Peter Pan, which will be delivered in 2022, in terms of both size and technology.
What are the advantages of the new TT-Line Ferries?
The new ferries will be more comfortable and efficient than any other ferries in the TT-Line fleet.
- More space on board ⇒ more comfortable travel.
- More modern and environmentally friendly technology ⇒ lower emissions, perhaps quieter crossing and better equipment.
- It shows that TT-Line is investing in its fleet in the long term and thus in better service.
- There could be changes or adjustments to ports, routes and infrastructure (e.g. new ramps, larger capacities) – this could also affect you if you travel frequently.
Comparison with the existing fleet
To give you a better idea of the newbuildings, here is a brief look at the two RoPax ships currently (2022 and 2023) being put into service by TT-Line:
- Nils Holgersson: Length approx. 229.4 m, width 31 m, capacity approx. 800 passengers.
- Peter Pan: identical in size, also around 229.4 m long, capacity 800 passengers.
Comparison table: Current ships vs. planned newbuildings
| Ship | Length | Passengers | Propulsion | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nils Holgersson (2022) | 229,4 m | about 800 | LNG / dual-fuel (liquefied natural gas & diesel) | First generation of “Green Ships” at TT-Line |
| Peter Pan (2022) | 229,4 m | about 800 | LNG / dual-fuel | identical sister ship |
| New building (1+1) – TT-Line planned | approx. 240 m | up to 1,000 | LNG hybrid | Larger, more efficient, modern |
Outlook for the new TT-Line Ferries
These new buildings mark a further step by TT-Line towards greater capacity and more modern operations. The LNG hybrid drive in particular shows that environmental aspects are taken into account during the planning stage.
If you are traveling with TT-Line in the next few years, these new buildings could bring visible improvements for you: more comfort, possibly new routes or more departures.
What is not yet known
Some details are not yet official or not yet known:
- When exactly will the new buildings be delivered?
- On which routes are they used?
- What exactly will the vehicle or trailer capacity be (i.e. loading meters)?
- What facilities (cabins, services) will be on board?
As soon as further information is available (e.g. specific contracts, delivery date, technical data), we will of course report here promptly.
Conclusion
TT-Line is ordering a significant expansion of its fleet with a letter of intent for two new RoPax ferries from Jinling – larger, more modern, more environmentally friendly. This is good news for you as a passenger, as it promises better connections and comfort. We’ll keep you up to date on ferry-guide.com as new details emerge.
