The final assembly of China's second domestically-built large cruise ship has officially commenced at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS), marking a significant milestone in the country's shipping industry according to China Media Group. This strategic advancement in the vessel's construction process is expected to greatly expedite its progress.

A keel laying ceremony recently took place at the No. 2 dock of SWS, which signifies the beginning of a rapid outfitting phase for the ship. Chen Jianwei, the assistant general manager at SWS, explained that this phase involves quickly assembling the hull sections like building blocks.

The keel laying ceremony serves as a symbolic milestone in the shipbuilding process, as it marks the transition from preliminary construction to more intricate outfitting preparations. Chen emphasized that this development underscores China's establishment of mass design and construction capabilities within the cruise ship sector.

The newly constructed cruise ship boasts impressive specifications, with a gross tonnage of 141,900 tonnes, which is an increase of 6,400 tonnes compared to its predecessor. The vessel measures 341 meters in length, extending 17.4 meters longer than the previous model, and includes a total of 2,144 cabins, reflecting a rise of 19 cabins.

To ensure environmental sustainability, the cruise liner has been outfitted with two sets of desulfurization systems and five advanced environmental protection systems. This commitment to eco-friendliness aligns with global trends in reducing emissions within the shipping industry.

The ship's design encompasses living and entertainment facilities spread across 16 decks, providing an extensive array of leisure and recreational options. Notable features include a large performance center, spacious restaurants, specialty dining options, and art galleries.

In terms of space optimization, the vessel's onboard public areas and outdoor recreational regions have been expanded, boasting 25,599 square meters and 14,272 square meters, respectively, which enhances the passenger experience significantly.

Currently, 124 of the ship's 699 structural segments have been completed. The outfitting work is fully in motion, with expectations to float the ship out in early May 2025, undock it in March 2026, and initiate sea trials by June 2026, aiming for an official launch by the end of that year.

The construction of this second ship has incorporated numerous insights gleaned from the first project, including improved management techniques and innovative tools. Chen noted the introduction of digital control methods for large-scale system engineering, which focus on elements such as design, procurement, and logistics, thereby significantly boosting construction efficiency.