China State Shipbuilding Corporation's/CSSC's subsidiary Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSTC) signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) with NOR Cruises for a "2+3" cruise shipbuilding project. The agreement covers two firm vessels and options for three additional units, based on an 82-84,000 DWT design.
On September 2nd, Shanghai Vice Mayor Chen Jie, a member of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, visited the CSSC exhibition booth and witnessed the signing of the MoU.
During the exhibition, Xu Peng visited CSSC and partner stands and participated in the China-Europe Maritime Forum, an official SMM event. In his keynote address, he called for closer cooperation between Chinese and European maritime companies in areas including green and smart technologies, practical business partnerships and integrated industry development. He said CSSC intended to work with international partners to support a more stable, sustainable and interconnected global maritime industry.
Xu Peng also led a CSSC delegation in meetings with international shipowners, classification societies and equipment and service suppliers. Discussions focused on developments in global shipping markets, future vessel designs and opportunities for expanded cooperation. The meetings resulted in agreements to strengthen existing partnerships and further broaden CSSC’s international network.
Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has become an important player in China’s emerging large cruise shipbuilding sector. The yard constructed Adora Magic City, the country’s first domestically built large cruise ship, marking China’s entry into the construction of large passenger vessels after years of development.
Construction of the second Chinese-built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, is progressing, with delivery and entry into service scheduled for November 6th.
Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding has also secured domestic cruise ship orders. Earlier this year, it signed an agreement with China Tourism Group for two large cruise ships, with an option for a third. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2030.