China has commenced the final assembly of its second domestically built large cruise ship, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime industry. The vessel entered the dock at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) over the weekend, a move expected to accelerate its construction significantly.
A keel-laying ceremony was held on Saturday at Dock No. 2 of SWS. Following this, the hull sections will be rapidly assembled, akin to piecing together building blocks. This methodical approach is set to enhance the efficiency and speed of the ship’s construction.
“Keel laying is a symbolic milestone in shipbuilding,” said Chen Jianwei, Assistant General Manager at SWS and Construction Director of the large cruise ship project. “It signifies that the ship will now be continuously outfitted at a rapid pace.”
The commencement of final assembly indicates that China has effectively established mass design and construction capabilities within the cruise ship industry. “This means we have basically achieved the capability for mass production in cruise ship design and construction,” Chen added.
The development of large cruise ships is a complex undertaking, often seen as a pinnacle of a country’s shipbuilding prowess due to the intricate technology and sophisticated management required. China’s advancement in this field reflects its growing expertise and ambition in the global maritime sector.
The cruise ship industry is poised to benefit from China’s burgeoning middle class and their increasing demand for leisure travel. The successful construction of these vessels could position China as a significant player in the international cruise market.
As the assembly progresses, industry watchers will be keen to observe how China’s shipbuilding strategies and innovations contribute to the global maritime landscape.
Reference(s):
Second China-built large cruise liner enters final assembly phase
cgtn.com
