China is promoting its industrial manufacturing capabilities. In addition to displaying its first domestically produced passenger aircraft, China’s first domestically produced large-scale cruise ship, the Edamadu, recently made its maiden voyage. Official media praised this feat as a major milestone for China’s shipbuilding industry. But in fact, most of this cruise ship comes from foreign technology, and only 30% comes from China.
China’s first domestically produced cruise ship set sail from Shanghai a few days ago, requiring 107 different systems, 25 million parts, 4,750 kilometers of cables and 365 kilometers of pipes. The ship, built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, represents China’s growing strength in cutting-edge construction as it seeks self-sufficiency in key technologies.
State media hailed the 16-deck behemoth as “an important milestone in China’s shipbuilding industry” and “the crown jewel,” saying the ability to build such ships reflects a country’s industrial strength, among other things. This is also China’s first foray into an industry long dominated by European shipyards.
In his New Year’s address, Xi Jinping also touted China’s manufacturing capabilities, which include the domestically produced C919 airliner, Chinese-made cruise ships, space projects, manned submersibles and electric vehicles.But Chen Gang, chief designer and general manager of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company, expressed concern about China’smedia accessShi said that the localization rate of this cruise ship is less than one-third. Of the 110 general contracting suppliers working with CSSC Waigaoqiao, only 30% are from Chinese companies that use RMB for payment, and domestic procurement is mainly steel plate raw materials.
He clearly pointed out that China does not have a cruise industry chain, and domestic suppliers may not necessarily be able to meet the design requirements of cruise ships. However, Europe has complete system integration and engineering organization capabilities, has its own first-tier supplier system, and masters the applicable system standards for the cruise supply chain. , it is difficult for domestic suppliers to enter for a while. In addition, even if domestic suppliers meet the standard, the price is not necessarily cheaper than imported products.
Key technologies come from Europe
In 2015, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, American cruise operator Carnival Corporation, Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri, and Lloyd’s Register signed a joint statement on the development of China’s cruise industry. Fincantieri Group, one of the world’s largest shipyards, is responsible for the design of China’s first domestically produced cruise ship.
In 2016 Fincantieri formed a joint venture with China State Shipbuilding Corporation to serve as the “prime contractor” for two ships built in China. Fincantieri Group licenses its ship model platform technology and provides technical services to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company. The 2,800 cabins were decorated by Marine Interiors, part of the Fincantieri Group.
The propulsion system uses technology from Swiss engineering technology group ABB. Under the contract with CSSC Waigaoqiao, ABB also supplies generators, main switchboards, distribution transformers and propulsion control systems. Finland’s Wartsila supplies automation and control systems, valve control systems, low-level lighting, navigation systems, engine and cab consoles, and smart motor control units. The vessel’s bow thrusters help improve maneuverability, and its The trim system that controls the ship’s trim and heel also comes from Wärtsilä.
The strategy of introducing foreign investment technology and then “going out” to conquer foreign markets has been the key to China’s development into a global economic power. Even though the key technology comes from Europe, Chen Gang said that if it is built, it will be a success. He also vowed that China’s cruise manufacturing level will roughly catch up with Italy in 2015.
(Source of first image:China News Service, CC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commons)
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2024-01-03 08:30:05
