China's second domestically-produced large cruise ship commenced its hull structure assembly with a keel laying ceremony held in Shanghai on Saturday morning, April 20, as reported by official sources. This event signifies another milestone in China's shipbuilding industry.
Chen Gang, the general manager of China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd, described the ceremony as a significant moment in the development of China's cruise industry.
Chen noted that in comparison to the first vessel, the construction of the second domestically-built cruise ship has been more efficient in terms of design and construction, achieving higher quality and standards.
Currently, the vessel has completed 20% of its total construction workload, with progress in design, construction, procurement, and logistics.
Drawing from the experience gained from constructing the first China-made cruise ship, Adora Magic City, CSSC has optimized the construction process for the second large cruise ship, increasing efficiency by 20%, according to Chen Jianwei, assistant to the general manager of CSSC's Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd.
The efficiency enhancement is coupled with design optimization, supply chain development and management, and process innovation, added Chen.
Scheduled for naming and delivery by the end of 2026, the vessel is anticipated to be floated in May 2025, signifying the halfway mark in construction and readiness for undocking in March 2026, as stated by Chen, who also serves as the construction director of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding's large cruise project.
With a gross tonnage of 141,900, the ship will measure 341 meters (1119 ft) in length and 37.2 meters (122 ft) in width, 17.4 meters (57 ft) longer than its predecessor. The new vessel will accommodate 19 additional guest rooms, bringing the total to 2144.
China's first self-made cruise ship, Adora Magic City, embarked on her maiden commercial voyage on January 1, 2024, completing 26 trips and serving 100,000+ passengers domestically and internationally, according to official sources.