The second China-built cruise ship's construction started on Monday, August 8, as the nation's shipbuilding industry has mastered core technologies in cruise vessel design and construction, officials and industry experts announced.
Work on the interior/outfitting of the first locally built cruise ship is underway and on schedule.
The official steel-cutting ceremony for the 2nd unit was held at SWS/Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co (1999-founded shipbuilding company), kicking off the construction of the vessel.
According to Tian, the cruise industry chain was extremely long and the development of the industry would raise the standards for the contemporary service industry and promote the marine economy.
The 2nd ship will not be a duplication of the first, according to Zhou Qi, vice-general manager of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, a unit under CSSC-China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the largest shipbuilder in the world.
The 142,000-GT-ton vessel has LOA length 341 m (17.4 m longer than the first unit/version), beam/width 37 m, 2144 passenger cabins (19 more than the first ship).
By meeting the international standards for emissions, the 2nd cruise ship will be a greener floating city in the future. It is expected to provide a better experience for guests with high-level comfort and safety, Zhou revealed.
CSSC signed a shipbuilding contract with Carnival Corporation (world's largest cruise shipowner) and the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build 2 liners, with an option for additional 4 newbuilds. The contract was signed in 2018 during the first China International Import Expo.
After the cruise vessels are built, they will be delivered to the joint venture between CSSC and Carnival Corporation - CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Co Ltd. The joint company is to be responsible for providing expertise in cruise ship management and operations.