SHANGHAI, China’s inaugural domestically built cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, embarked on its maiden journey from Shanghai, indicating the nation’s growing capabilities in advanced construction and its pursuit of self-sufficiency in crucial technologies.
The luxury vessel, with features like a mahjong lounge and hotpot restaurant, targets China’s expanding middle class eager for international travel. The 16-deck cruise, described as a “major milestone for the country’s shipbuilding industry” and a “crown jewel” by state media, set sail for South Korea and Japan.
The ship’s construction faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but its launch showcases China’s entry into a sector traditionally dominated by European shipbuilders. The Adora Magic City’s development, similar to China’s first homegrown passenger jet, the C919, reflects Beijing’s ambitions to compete globally and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
While many components of the cruise ship were sourced from international suppliers, experts suggest that China has the potential to establish its own supply chain in the future. Marco Scopaz, on-site project manager at Lloyd’s Register, stated that the Adora Magic City signifies the “beginning of the country’s inevitable and rapid development in cruise design and construction.”
By AFP
