Bigger and better: China's second large cruise ship nears completion

China's second domestically built large cruise ship is nearing completion after over three months of assembly. The three-layer platform of this massive structure is now fully formed, marking 80 percent completion of the entire ship's structural sections.

Since entering the dock in April, a total of 28 sections and 26 subsections have been successfully docked, and work is underway on structural welding and equipment installation.

Compared to its predecessor, this second ship boasts significant enhancements. It has a larger gross tonnage and increased length, providing more space for passengers. Specifically, it has a gross tonnage of 141,900 tonnes, which is 6,400 tonnes more than its predecessor, and a total length of 341 meters, an increase of 17.4 meters. The number of cabins has also risen by 19, totaling 2,144.

To enhance environmental friendliness, the ship incorporates two sets of desulfurization systems and five sets of advanced environmental protection systems.

The cruise ship also incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including a "three-dimensional integrated" big data platform and a design data management platform. These advancements facilitate a digitalized, intelligent and visualized design process, enhancing management and control efficiency. Additionally, the construction process benefits from the use of welding robots, the industrial internet of things and automation equipment. 

Furthermore, the design layout has been optimized to expand public areas, outdoor leisure spaces and entertainment facilities, promising a more engaging experience for passengers.

Despite its larger size and enhanced features, the second ship is being constructed much faster than its predecessor. Construction efficiency is expected to be 20 percent higher, resulting in a shortened docking cycle of nearly eight months. This accelerated timeline is made possible by the robust implementation of "digital shipbuilding" technologies.

Chen Jianwei, assistant general manager at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, told China Media Group that the construction of the second ship has utilized a series of scientific research results of the first one, such as the management experience, tools and methods.

"We have also developed digital control means of giant system engineering, concerning eight aspects including design, procurement and logistics, which greatly improves the construction efficiency," said Chen.