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 electricity consumption, a key barometer of economic activity, grew 6.1 percent year on year in the first two months of 2026, according to data released by the National Energy Administration (NEA) on Tuesday.

Data from the NEA revealed that China's total electricity consumption exceeded 1.65 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) from January to February.

By sector, electricity consumption in the primary industry rose 7.4 percent year on year. The secondary sector saw a 6.3 percent increase, driven largely by high-tech and equipment manufacturing industries, which recorded a robust 10.6 percent growth.

The tertiary sector consumed 8.3 percent more electricity compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, residential power use for both urban and rural residents increased by 2.7 percent.