Chinese-made cruise ship to weigh anchor in near future

China will soon produce its own luxury cruise ships having mastered design, technology and construction ability, according to an industry insider.

"When I say soon, I do not mean China will have its own cruise ship built this year or next, but the project will soon be announced officially," said Zhang Shengkun, chairman of the organizing committee of Marintec China, a biannual international maritime conference and exhibition in Shanghai.

"Chinese shipbuilders have long known the process of building a cruise ship, but to make the vessel an artwork, a high-end combination of arts and manufacturing, China needs to sharpen its ability in design, creation and interior decoration," said Zhang. "In the near future, we can take a ride on a cruise ship made in China".

Despite persistent pessimism towards the global marine market, Marintec China 2015 still expects to attract more than 2,000 exhibitors and in excess of 60,000 visitors this year. The four-day event starts on December 1. Within its 30-year development, it has become Asia's biggest maritime event and the second largest in the world.