Lloyd’s Register (LR), the venerable UK class society, and China Cruise Ltd have signed a strategic framework agreement encompassing collaboration in cruise safety, technology research and development, green transition, and digitalisation.
This initiative follows LR’s full classification of Adora Magic City, the first China-built large luxury cruise vessel, and marks an evolution from project-based cooperation to a strategic partnership.
Francesco Ruisi (LR’s VP and Global Passenger Ship Segment Director) stressed that LR intends to harness its international experience to support China in independently designing and building large cruise vessels. He added that LR would contribute to fostering a cohesive cruise industry supply chain and to securing China’s high-end positioning through a steadfast commitment to sustainable development.
Li Ming (General Manager of China Cruises and Chairman of Adora Cruises) welcomed the agreement as a means to bolster the company’s technical capabilities and global footprint. He noted that the collaboration would deepen efforts in cruise safety, sustainability, and technological innovation.
LR supports its cruise industry expertise through four Cruise Centres of Expertise—located in China, the UK, Italy, and the USA—alongside a global team exceeding 220 specialist surveyors, offering comprehensive technical services from ship design and construction through operation and management.
Adora Flora City, Adora Magic City's sistership launched in April 2025 (at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding yard) measures 341 metres (LOA length) and 141,800 GT-tons (volume) and is scheduled for delivery in 2026-Q4.
This strategic alliance underscores growing confidence in China’s capacity to design and deliver large cruise vessels to international standards as the sector transitions towards greener, smarter, and safer operations.