Explainer | What is China’s first home-grown large cruise liner, and why is it a breakthrough?

Adora Magic City, a 135,500-tonne liner built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, undocked in Shanghai on June 6 ahead of a series of sea trials

It represents another critical step towards boosting self-reliance in critical industries following the maiden flight of the C919 home-grown passenger jet

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02:19

China’s first home-grown large cruise ship set to begin sea trials

Luna Sunin BeijingandMandy Zuoin Shanghai

Published: 8:00pm, 18 Feb 2023Updated: 9:11am, 7 Jun 2023

China’s first home-grown large cruise liner undocked in Shanghai on June 6 to begin a series of sea trials. It is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

It marks the nation’s first foray into a sector long dominated by European shipyards, while also representing a critical step in efforts to reduce its reliance on external sources.

What is China’s first large cruise ship?

Originally known as the H1508, construction began on the vessel in October 2019.

Now named Adora Magic City, the 135,500-tonne liner has been built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding – a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation.

The state-owned firm was contracted to make the ship in conjunction with Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri.

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China’s first locally-built cruise liner to set sail soon with construction nearly complete

Over 93 per cent of the construction and over 85 per cent of the interior work for the 323-metre-long (1,060-foot) ship has been completed after it was floated at the end of last week. It is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.