CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic

The Atlantic Lives Within, Driving Forward the Spirit of Discovery and Connection

The Legacy of the Atlantic, Captured in a Timepiece

HONG KONG, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlantic Ocean has long symbolized courage, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown. It catalyzed the Age of Discovery, challenging explorers to cross uncharted waters and forever changing history. Dissolving boundaries and connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, cultures met, ideas flowed, and countless souls pursued freedom. In June 2025, CIGA design , an independent GPHG Award-winning brand, honors this spirit with the Blue Planet II • Atlantic, a timepiece that embodies the Atlantic's enduring legacy.

Crafting the Legacy

The Blue Planet II • Atlantic features CIGA design's award-winning Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology, inspired by ancient sundials and honored by the GPHG. A single compass hand indicates both hours and minutes, gliding across a dynamic minute dial and a stationary hour ring. With every 30° movement of the hour gear, the minute dial rotates 390°, creating a unique and intuitive expression of time in harmony with the globe's rhythm and ocean currents.

Beneath a curved sapphire crystal, the CNC-engraved dial unfolds the vast contours of the Atlantic, intricately capturing the essence of diverse landscapes. From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the towering Andes, the deep Gulf of Mexico to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, each engraving reflects the distinct identity of its region. As night falls, luminous markers glisten like moonlight on the ocean's surface, while a refined strap offers effortless comfort, ensuring every journey is a seamless experience.

A Story of Discovery, Connection, and Freedom

The Blue Planet II • Atlantic is a living emblem of discovery, connection, and freedom.

• Discovery: The Atlantic inspired explorers to venture into the unknown, shaping the Age of Discovery and transforming human understanding.
• Connection: For centuries, the Atlantic has been a bridge between continents, uniting cultures and shaping global trade and identity.
• Freedom: The Atlantic represents a journey of liberation—where new beginnings are forged, and the spirit of resilience and hope endures.

The Basics

Case Size: 46mm (excluding crown)
Watch Length: 220mm
Case Thickness: 17.05mm
Crown: 6.0mm diameter, CNC grooved
Strap Width: 22.0mm
Strap Material: Fluororubber
Glass: Sapphire glass
Water Resistance: 3ATM

Movement: Self-developed automatic Caliber CD-04-E featuring CIGA design's Asynchronous-follow Technology, operating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -15/+30 seconds per day.

Pricing：

Steel: $1,199
Titanium Alloy：$1,399

Pre-Launch Special: 

Steel: $1,049
Titanium Alloy：$1,249

June 10th - June 24th

Availability:
Now available on the CIGA design official website and Amazon

About Brand

As a trailblazer in watch design and a recipient of the prestigious GPHG award, CIGA design has earned its place on the global stage of fine watchmaking. Driven by the proposition of "Stand Out, By Design," the brand is committed to originality, breaking through traditional boundaries to create designs that embody the spirit of the times and express the wearer's unique individuality.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic

CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic

CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic

CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic

Landmark Project Across Four Governorates to Boost Power Plant Output by 50%, Easing Chronic Electricity Shortages

SHANGHAI, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric has broken ground on the Euphrates Combined Cycle Expansion Project in Iraq. As the project's contractor, Shanghai Electric is upgrading power plants across four Iraqi governorates by transforming simple-cycle units into combined-cycle systems. The expansion will add a total capacity of 625 megawatts (MW) and is designed to boost overall plant efficiency by approximately 50%, generating an additional 5 billion kilowatt-hprojours (kWh) of electricity annually without increasing fuel consumption. This initiative is poised to significantly alleviate the country's persistent electricity shortages.

"The pressing need for energy security and development in Iraq is clear. We are honored that our efficient combined-cycle technology is recognized as instrumental in modernizing this critical infrastructure," said a spokesperson for Shanghai Electric. "This project exemplifies our commitment to supporting the energy security and green development of Belt and Road countries through technological innovation."

Iraq, a major Middle Eastern oil producer, has faced severe power shortages for over three decades. Most of its power plants rely on natural gas, yet domestic gas development lags, creating a heavy dependence on imports. This power deficit has become a persistent challenge to people's livelihoods and a bottleneck for national reconstruction and economic growth.

The Shanghai Electric-contracted expansion project along the Euphrates River broke ground early this year and covers the Iraqi governorates of Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, and Al-Qadisiyyah, with all upgrades centered on advanced combined-cycle technology. Core equipment has now arrived on site, and construction is advancing through the collaboration of Chinese and Iraqi teams. Since its commencement, the project has drawn considerable attention from the Iraqi government and public.

Iraqi Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel has praised the project's strategic importance, stating, "This initiative is highly significant for improving Iraq's power supply and optimizing its electricity infrastructure. Once operational, it will effectively reduce Iraq's reliance on imported natural gas and lower its fuel costs for power generation."

At the power plant in Najaf, the upgrade utilizes high-temperature exhaust from existing gas turbines as a heat source. The exhaust is directed through heat recovery steam generators to produce high-pressure steam, which then drives a new steam turbine to create additional electricity. This combined-cycle process increases output and efficiency without extra fuel and reduces the thermal pollution from the original units.

Naseem Ayad, the Iraqi project manager at the Najaf site, said, "Chinese equipment and power technology help us reuse high-temperature exhaust, boosting generation capacity while reducing thermal pollution. This project sets a benchmark for power plant upgrades in Iraq and reflects local hopes for more reliable electricity and better living conditions."

At the Karbala site, core equipment such as heat recovery steam generators and direct air-cooled condensers have been delivered. This project phase marks one of Iraq's first combined-cycle expansions to fully utilize Chinese equipment and standards, with core systems designed and manufactured in China. This will effectively drive the overseas deployment of Chinese equipment and enhance the recognition of Chinese standards in Iraq.

Upon completion, the project is expected to improve local livelihoods, support post-war reconstruction, and lay a robust energy foundation for Iraq's industrial recovery and economic growth.

Shanghai Electric remains dedicated to supporting sustainable development in Belt and Road regions and worldwide through advanced, efficient, and eco-friendly energy technologies.

For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

 

Landmark Project Across Four Governorates to Boost Power Plant Output by 50%, Easing Chronic Electricity Shortages

SHANGHAI, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric has broken ground on the Euphrates Combined Cycle Expansion Project in Iraq. As the project's contractor, Shanghai Electric is upgrading power plants across four Iraqi governorates by transforming simple-cycle units into combined-cycle systems. The expansion will add a total capacity of 625 megawatts (MW) and is designed to boost overall plant efficiency by approximately 50%, generating an additional 5 billion kilowatt-hprojours (kWh) of electricity annually without increasing fuel consumption. This initiative is poised to significantly alleviate the country's persistent electricity shortages.

"The pressing need for energy security and development in Iraq is clear. We are honored that our efficient combined-cycle technology is recognized as instrumental in modernizing this critical infrastructure," said a spokesperson for Shanghai Electric. "This project exemplifies our commitment to supporting the energy security and green development of Belt and Road countries through technological innovation."

Iraq, a major Middle Eastern oil producer, has faced severe power shortages for over three decades. Most of its power plants rely on natural gas, yet domestic gas development lags, creating a heavy dependence on imports. This power deficit has become a persistent challenge to people's livelihoods and a bottleneck for national reconstruction and economic growth.

The Shanghai Electric-contracted expansion project along the Euphrates River broke ground early this year and covers the Iraqi governorates of Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, and Al-Qadisiyyah, with all upgrades centered on advanced combined-cycle technology. Core equipment has now arrived on site, and construction is advancing through the collaboration of Chinese and Iraqi teams. Since its commencement, the project has drawn considerable attention from the Iraqi government and public.

Iraqi Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel has praised the project's strategic importance, stating, "This initiative is highly significant for improving Iraq's power supply and optimizing its electricity infrastructure. Once operational, it will effectively reduce Iraq's reliance on imported natural gas and lower its fuel costs for power generation."

At the power plant in Najaf, the upgrade utilizes high-temperature exhaust from existing gas turbines as a heat source. The exhaust is directed through heat recovery steam generators to produce high-pressure steam, which then drives a new steam turbine to create additional electricity. This combined-cycle process increases output and efficiency without extra fuel and reduces the thermal pollution from the original units.

Naseem Ayad, the Iraqi project manager at the Najaf site, said, "Chinese equipment and power technology help us reuse high-temperature exhaust, boosting generation capacity while reducing thermal pollution. This project sets a benchmark for power plant upgrades in Iraq and reflects local hopes for more reliable electricity and better living conditions."

At the Karbala site, core equipment such as heat recovery steam generators and direct air-cooled condensers have been delivered. This project phase marks one of Iraq's first combined-cycle expansions to fully utilize Chinese equipment and standards, with core systems designed and manufactured in China. This will effectively drive the overseas deployment of Chinese equipment and enhance the recognition of Chinese standards in Iraq.

Upon completion, the project is expected to improve local livelihoods, support post-war reconstruction, and lay a robust energy foundation for Iraq's industrial recovery and economic growth.

Shanghai Electric remains dedicated to supporting sustainable development in Belt and Road regions and worldwide through advanced, efficient, and eco-friendly energy technologies.

For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Shanghai Electric Powers Up Iraq's Energy Future with Major 625MW Efficiency Upgrade