China Completes Hull Assembly For 2nd Domestically Built Cruise Ship

China has completed the hull structure assembly for its second domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, in Shanghai.

The Adora Flora City measures 341 meters in length, 37.2 meters in width, and weighs 141,900 tonnes. The ship is a refined version of its predecessor Adora Magic City, with enhanced features and capabilities.

The process to assemble the hull took less than nine months, two months faster than the first ship, placing CSSC on par with leading European cruise ship manufacturers, according to a company report.

The new ship, built for Adora Cruises, a joint venture between CSSC and Carnival Corporation-boasts a gross tonnage of 141,900 tonnes, 6,400 tonnes more than the Adora Magic City.

The ship has 2,144 cabins, 19 more than its predecessor, and can carry up to 5,232 passengers. Public areas have been expanded by 735 square meters, and outdoor leisure spaces are 1,913 square meters larger.

The design is based on a model developed in collaboration with Italy’s Fincantieri and Carnival Corporation.

Video Credits: China Xinhua News/Facebook

The ship will feature upgraded entertainment and leisure facilities, including the Sea Street Garden, an open social space inspired by Guangzhou, also known as the “Flower City.”

This area is designed for entertainment, relaxation, and social interactions, to suit different moods of the day.

Adora Flora City is planned to sail in the Southeast Asia region and is expected to launch its first international voyage from Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port in 2027.

The project will now move to its next phase, which will focus on interior decoration, equipment installation, and system testing. The first dock floating test is planned for April 2024, and the ship is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

China’s first domestically built cruise ship, Adora Magic City, began its maiden voyage on January 1, 2024. In its first year, it completed 84 voyages, carried 600,000 passengers, and captured 40% of China’s international cruise market.

The industry is expected to generate 500 billion yuan ($68.21 billion) by 2035, per reports from the People’s Daily.

References: China Daily, Global Times

Source: Maritime Shipping News