Official launch of construction of La Méridionale’s new hybrid ro-paxes

FerryA steel-cutting ceremony has been held at the CMI Jinling Weihai yard for the first of two new hybrid ro-paxes for La Méridionale. The ships are designed for the Marseille-Corsica and will be delivered in 2027.

Built at a combined contract price of close to EUR 400 million, each ship will accommodate 932 passengers across 264 cabins in seven categories, including 21 luxury cabins with balconies.

With dimensions of 180 metres in length and 30.8 metres in width, the vessels will operate on two engines with a combined output of 21,000 kW. While primarily using conventional LNG, the engines include multi-fuel capabilities, accommodating future adoption of biogas and synthetic methane.

Moreover, the integration of a 13 MWh battery pack will enable zero-emission capabilities while in port—a significant advantage, especially at the port in Corsica, given the limited availability of shore power solutions.

The interior will be designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, who was behind the LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT icebreaking cruise ship for Ponant.