Completed just five years since the signing of the initial contract, Adora Magic City is a potent symbol of China’s shipbuilding dominance.
While the 135,500 gt cruise ship, which has accommodation for 5,246 passengers can’t claim to be the world’s most innovative vessel – being largely based on Carnival Corp’s Vista class vessels and built in close consultation with Fincantieri by the CSSC-owned Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co – the scale of the undertaking rivals that of China’s most audacious infrastructure projects.
Ada Modu, as the vessel is colloquially known, won’t officially set sail on its maiden voyage until 1st January 2024, when it will depart from its home port of Shanghai. It’s anticipated that initially at least its itineraries will consist of short trips to Japan and Southeast Asian countries, as well as port calls along the so-called Maritime Silk Road that extends to India and the Arabian peninsula.
The project is envisaged to set a new benchmark for luxury cruising in China and at the vessel’s naming ceremony in early November the builders’ noted that the construction process had involved 361 different suppliers, 1,105 enterprises and the efforts of more than 5,000 engineers from over 30 countries. In total the vessel is composed of 107 systems, 55,000 sets of equipment, 25 million components and parts, 4,750 km of cables, 365 kmof pipelines, and 120 km of air pipes.
Among those contracted to lend their expertise is Wärtsilä ANCS [Automation, Navigation & Control Systems], a division of the Finnish technology giant, which has delivered a suite of solutions to Adora Magic City. These include the NACOS Platinum Valmatic automation and control system, valve control system, low location lighting, navigation system, engine and bridge control room console, and smart motor control unit.
Thomas Heldarskard-winnerskjold, director of Automation & Navigation for Wärtsilä ANCS, comments: “The cruise industry has always been a key focus for ANCS in providing innovative automation and making navigation capabilities possible. The Adora Magic City not only represents a leap forward for China’s shipbuilding industry but also allows new opportunities for the cruising industry in China.
Wärtsilä is also providing the vessel’s bow thruster system, dynamic trim system, as well as cable and steel parts supply; an integrated solution the company says will enhance the vessel’s efficiency and safety. All equipment was delivered during 2021 and 2022.
