China's second homegrown large cruise ship conducts lifeboat release test

China's second domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, carried out a lifeboat release test on Tuesday, a critical step in its track to undock on Friday.

The test aimed to verify the seamless release of the lifeboats from the vessel.

Following the release, a maneuvering trial was also carried out to verify the performance of its 18 large lifeboats and two rescue boats under both normal and emergency conditions.

The large cruise ship is scheduled to officially undock on Friday for the next test phase of dockside mooring, and sea trials are planned in late May, said the builder, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. under China State Shipbuilding Cooperation (CSSC).

"After the ship is docked at the pier, our work will focus on two main parts. The first is the sea trials, which is scheduled for mid-to-late May. The second is delivery. To prepare for the sea trials, we are going to carry out a series of tests, such as tests on the main engine and propulsion systems that must be completed underwater, over the coming period to ensure the smooth progress of the sea trials. After the sea trials, our priority will shift to the delivery by sections, including the cabins and public areas, ensuring they are delivered to the owner in perfect condition," said Zhang Qiang, deputy head of the cruise project of the shipbuilder.

With a gross tonnage of 141,900 tonnes, the cruise ship represents a further step forward in China's large cruise ship construction capability.

Compared with the country's first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, the new vessel features a series of design and construction upgrades.

According to the builder, the ship is 341 meters in length, 17.4 meters longer than the Adora Magic City, offering expanded public areas and enhanced onboard comfort.

The ship can accommodate over 5,200 passengers when fully loaded and features 2,130 cabins, equipped with more entertaining facilities.

It is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

China's second homegrown large cruise ship conducts lifeboat release test

China's second homegrown large cruise ship conducts lifeboat release test

China's second homegrown large cruise ship conducts lifeboat release test

China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao outlined the key priorities of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, which opened on Friday in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province.

In an interview with CGTN ahead of the two-day meeting, Wang said free trade, digital cooperation and green economy are high on the agenda of the meeting.

"The key areas include advancing regional economic integration and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO) in strengthening digital cooperation and developing green economy. At present, the international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and chaos, with intensified geopolitical instability. The rise of unilateralism and protectionism poses serious challenges to the international economic and trade order, disrupting global and Asia-Pacific development. Against this backdrop, all parties have higher expectations for this trade ministers' meeting, hoping that it can build consensus and deliver outcomes," Wang said.

This year marks China's third time hosting the APEC meetings and the 35th anniversary of its membership.

By 2025, China had become the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. Trade between China and APEC economies reached 3.7 trillion U.S. dollars, accounting for 57.8 percent of China's total foreign trade.

China has signed 24 free trade agreements or economic and trade arrangements with 31 countries and regions, including 15 APEC economies. In recent years, China has also completed upgrades of free trade agreements with APEC economies such as Singapore and Peru.

The minister said that China has always been a firm supporter and an important contributor to APEC.

"We have actively shared our vast market and development opportunities with all parties. China's door to the world will only open wider and wider. Facing the common challenges, China will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, further deepen reform, expand high-standard opening-up, and continue to provide new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world with its new achievements in Chinese modernization," the minister said.

China's Commerce Minister outlines priorities for 32nd APEC trade ministers' meeting