China’s New Cruise Ship Set for Early Delivery
Shanghai, April 16 (Xinhua) — China’s second domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, is set to be delivered in Shanghai on November 6, nearly two months ahead of schedule. This accelerated timeline is attributed to the integration of digital and intelligent technologies that have significantly enhanced construction efficiency, according to the ship’s builder.
Innovative Technologies Drive Construction Efficiency
Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, announced that it successfully navigated the challenges of tight construction schedules and complex multi-trade operations. By implementing digital-smart upgrades across various stages—design, production, warehousing, quality control, and project management—the company improved overall building efficiency by approximately 20 percent compared to its predecessor, Adora Magic City, which was China’s first large domestically built cruise liner.
The Adora Flora City, measuring 341 meters in length and boasting a gross tonnage of 141,900 tonnes, features an impressive array of amenities. It includes 2,130 cabins and suites, accommodating up to 5,232 passengers at full capacity. The ship offers 26 restaurants and bars, a 1,000-seat theater, and various recreational facilities such as a shopping center, art gallery, gym, spa, and kids’ club. Currently, the vessel has reached 96 percent completion, with interior installations at 87 percent and commissioning work at 76 percent. Key milestones have been achieved ahead of schedule, with sea trials slated for mid-May.
Preparations for Inaugural Season
Following its delivery, Adora Flora City will embark on its inaugural season from the Nansha International Cruise Home Port in Guangzhou, located in southern China’s Guangdong Province. Prior to this, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding will assist the ship’s operator in preparing for commercial service. This includes loading owner-supplied items such as artworks, hotel supplies, and medical equipment. The shipbuilder will also facilitate early boarding for crew members and provide necessary training.
Looking ahead, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding is focused on accelerating the construction of a cruise ship assembly base. The company aims to deliver China’s first independently designed large cruise ship, which will also mark the country’s third domestically built vessel, by 2030. With the cruise tourism sector booming, total passenger throughput is projected to surge by 25.3 percent year-on-year by 2025, highlighting the growing demand for cruise travel in China.
