China's second domestically built large cruise ship on April 20, 2024 enters a dock at the No.2 dock of its builder Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co (Photo: CCTV)

The second domestically-built large-scale cruise ship is under construction at the No.2 dry dock of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co, the People's Daily reported. 

It signifies the rapid progress of China's manufacturing capability, marking a significant milestone in the development of massive ocean ships.

According to the plan, after docking, construction will focus on hull assembly, outfitting, and interior work. By 2025, cabin installation and outfitting are expected to be completed, with the ship set to undock in March 2026. Sea trials will begin in June of the same year, with delivery expected before the year's end, the People's Daily reported. 

China's second domestically built large cruise ship spans 341 meters in length, 37.2 meters in width, and boasts a total tonnage of more than 140,000 tons. At the assembly site, the three-tiered main component platform has been fully formed and is entering the painting and coating stage.

"Different from the first one, the second cruise ship is being constructed faster and more cost-effectively, with a 20-percent increase in efficiency. There will be an expected reduction of 8 months in the construction cycle," Wei Shengsheng, Deputy Minister of the Cruise Ship Project Department, was quoted as saying in the People's Daily report.

"Loading inside the dry dock requires strict adherence to the schedule. Any delay in one section could impact the loading of the next, so the loading plan is meticulously executed," said Wei. To expedite progress, workers remain dedicated to construction even during the five-day May Day holidays.

The second cruise ship has larger size, advanced facilities, and more amenities. With dozens of areas for dining, entertainment, and accommodation, along with over 2,000 cabins, the ship integrates state-of-the-art shipbuilding technology, machinery, electronics, and communication navigation, according to the staff involved in the project.

"In the past, China's shipbuilding industry mainly focused on the mid-to-low end. Now, we're shifting our focus to the mid-to-high end. With higher demand from domestic customers, there's huge market potential," Tian Yun, a veteran economist told the Global Times.

"The independent construction of two cruise ships underscores our country's advanced design and shipbuilding capabilities, bringing us in line with international standards. Also in tourism field, it demonstrates our ability to venture into the high-end market, including the lucrative intercontinental sea routes," Jiang Yiyi, a vice president of the School of Leisure Sports and Tourism at Beijing Sport University told the Global Times.