China aims to complete the construction of its second large passenger ship and launch it within 2 years.
China's first domestically produced cruise ship, "Adora Magic City," was launched in June last year and delivered to the operating company in November.
The ship, built for the British-American cruise operator Carnival, began commercial voyages on January 1.
The cruise ship manufacturer, operating under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), announced that the design and modeling phase of the second ship has been completed and that assembly at the shipyard will begin in April.
LAUNCH DATE ANNOUNCED
The ship is planned to be launched for its first test voyage in June 2026.
The second ship is planned to be 324 meters long and weigh 142 thousand tons. Thus, the ship will be larger than the 323-meter, 135 thousand 500-ton "Adora Magic City." With 2 thousand 144 cabins, the ship will be able to accommodate more passengers than the first domestic cruise ship, which has 2 thousand 125 cabins.
China's move to roll up its sleeves for a second ship after completing the construction of the first cruise ship demonstrates its intention to maintain its presence in the large and luxury passenger ship market, which is dominated by European shipbuilders.
Italian Fincantieri, German Meyer Group, and French Chantiers de l'Atlantique companies hold 70 percent of cruise ship production.
News Source: AA
