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China Classification Society issues its first cruise ship standards

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CCS's Chen Shi - new standards will facilitate more diversity of cruise ship design apart from the Western standard
China Classification Society (CCS) has introduced standards for cruise ships that will be formally adopted for use from Jan. 1.

Chen Shi, deputy chief engineer, CCS, hopes the standards will bring more transparency in the design technology of cruise ships and more diversified designs apart from the Western style dominating the market.

‘With the increase in cruise tourists mainly coming from China, we need to ensure ships that can meet the needs of Chinese tourists,’ Chen told delegates at Seatrade Asia Pacific Cruise Congress in Shanghai Baoshan Thursday.

‘China will need seven to 10 new cruise ships every year,’ Chen said. The use of existing Western-style ships may not appeal to all Chinese passengers, he added.

Since 2012, CCS conducted research on key technologies of cruise ships, touching on relevant international standards, requirements of port state governments, international health regulations, US Coast Guard requirements and so forth.

CCS's standards also encompass rules on materials and welding, use of software, and a range of class notations including fire safety. There is also the Cruise Experience Design Index, determined at the design and construction stage.

Chen said the standards aim to emphasize passenger safety, define requirements for the cruise experience and ensure public health.