(Yicai) May 27 -- China's second large cruise ship is expected to be finished by March 2026 as the unparalleled vessel is built with increased efficiency, Yicai learned on the first anniversary of the resumption of international cruises from the home port of Shanghai after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We are making progress fast," Zhou Qi, deputy general manager and chief builder of large cruise projects at Shanghai-based Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, told Yicai yesterday. China State Shipbuilding-backed Waigaoqiao has completed 22 percent of the project in a bit more than a month, Zhou added.

The ship is longer and heavier than the first large domestically-produced cruise ship called Adora Magic City which completed its maiden voyage last July. The second one should take eight months less to finish due to increased efficiency and quality, Zhou said, adding that the second ship will be more environmentally friendly.

China’s ship exports totaled USD9.92 billion in the first quarter, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Output, as well as new and orders on hand made up nearly 54 percent, almost 70 percent, and 57 percent of the global total in terms of deadweight tonnage, respectively, rising in market share. 

Waigaoqiao has scheduled orders till 2028, Zhou said, adding that even 2029 has some bookings.

"Cruise ships are a strong driving force," Zhou said. "Not only do they have a long industrial chain but they can also boost the development of China’s cultural and tourism industry." The investment ratio is 1:14, which means that investing CNY1 (USD14 US cents) in cruise ships can drive CNY14 of investment and consumption in culture and tourism, per the expert.

Shanghai resumed its international cruise routes on May 26, last year. Since then, the local authority has inspected more than 220 international cruise ships with about 700,000 passengers entering and leaving the city. Across China, the corresponding traffic exceeded 130 cruise ships this year, up nearly 60 percent from a year ago.

Editor: Emmi Laine