Longkou, China, August 25, 2026 – CIMC Raffles officially delivered the 3,300-lane-meter 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 series 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 also underscores CIMC Raffles' engineering and construction prowess in the design and building of premium clean-energy Ro-Ro vessels, setting yet another benchmark for the company's global footprint in the high-end Ro-Ro market.
Designed for the demanding North Atlantic operating environment, SKIPANES measures 189.5 meters in length overall, with a molded breadth of 27.2 meters, a design draft of 6 meters, and a design service speed of 18 knots. The vessel is classed by DNV and equipped with a high-efficiency propulsion system that ensures superior maneuverability and reliability even under severe sea conditions. Built to methanol-ready specifications, it also 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 unprecedented challenges, including stringent construction standards, cutting-edge low-carbon technology integration, and rigorous design requirements tailored for North Atlantic service conditions. From detailed drawing optimization to precision on-site fabrication, the project team overcame the lack of prior construction experience through solid workmanship, stringent quality control, and highly effective project execution. Throughout the entire process, the vessel received consistent recognition and acclaim from both the owner and the classification society, fully demonstrating CIMC Raffles' professional construction capability and commitment to delivery performance.
"We are very pleased to have taken delivery of Skipanes, which will strengthen our freight services in the North Atlantic. This marks a milestone in the company's history and an important step in the development of our fleet"
SKIPANES is scheduled to set sail for Europe in the coming days and will be deployed on the trade routes connecting the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and mainland Europe, providing green, efficient, and stable freight services for the North Atlantic shipping market.
Looking ahead, CIMC Raffles will continue to deepen its capabilities in the construction of high-end and clean-energy vessels, relentlessly refining core technologies, strengthening its project teams, and advancing intelligent manufacturing. Through uncompromising quality and proactive global collaboration, the company remains committed to empowering the green and low-carbon transition of the global shipping industry.
