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he first polar cruise ship made in China was handed over to a U.S. company on Sept. 6, 2019. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
The first polar cruise ship made in China was handed over to a U.S. company in Haimen, Jiangsu province, on Friday.
The 104.4-meter-long and 18.4-meter-wide ship took China Merchants Group 18 months to build.
It weighs 8,035 metric tons and features 135 cabins that can house 254 people.
The deck is pictured on the first polar cruise ship made in China. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
It is equipped with the world's most advanced navigation technologies and meets the strictest safety requirements, according to China Merchants Group.
Even under extreme weather, the ship can sail 1,500 nautical miles to ensure safe return to a port, it said.
The ship, named the Greg Mortimer, was handed over to Sunstone Ships. It has been rented to Australian polar exploration company Aurora Expeditions and will soon start its 12-day maiden voyage to the Antarctic.
China Merchants Group is working on a world-class cruise ship-construction base and industrial park in Haimen, Nantong city that covers an area of 650,000 square meters. The base will be put into use officially in 2022.
The deck is pictured on the first polar cruise ship made in China. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
The deck is pictured on the first polar cruise ship made in China. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
The first polar cruise ship made in China was handed over to a U.S. company on Friday. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
The restaurant is pictured on the first polar cruise ship made in China. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
The lounge area is pictured on the first polar cruise ship made in China. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
The gym is well equipped on the first polar cruise ship made in China. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
A corridor on the first polar cruise ship made in China is decorated with photo frames. (Photo by Tang Shuquan/for chinadaily.com.cn)
