Two new ferries powered by MTU engines from Rolls-Royce provide shuttle services in the Pearl River Delta in China.

The Xin Hai Zhu, which went into service in September for Blue Jet Fast Ferries, is its fifth passenger ferry and the largest and fastest catamaran in the fleet to date. Powered by two MTU 16V 2000 M72 engines, it is capable of speeds up to 57 km/h.  40.2 m in length, the ferry has space for up to 356 passengers and 10 crew members per transfer on the shuttle service between mainland China and Hong Kong. Dutch marine design company CoCo Yachts designed the ferry, which was built by Plenty Shipbuilding Industry in Zhuhai, China.

A small cruise vessel powered by MTU Series 4000 units is currently being built by China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding Co.. The 71.88 m catamaran will be able to accommodate up to 350 passengers and after initially operating as a shuttle will be used to circulate more widely around the Pearl River Delta, past Hongkong, Macao and Shenzhen. Twin 16V 4000 M23S units for top speeds of 14 knots or 25 km per hour shall power the catamaran, allowing passengers a leisurely cruise around China's largest and most densely populated metropolitan region. Other entertainments on board the View On Shenzhen From the Sea cruiser include a theatre, a museum, various shops and even a ship simulator for educational purposes.

Ferries powered by MTU engines-notably Series 396, 4000 and 2000 units-have been in service in the Pearl River Delta since the early nineties. Roll-Royce will also be showcasing MTU solutions for marine applications and service at the Marine-Tec maritime trade fair in Shanghai.