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Shenzhen, China, seminar addresses safe pilotage for cruise shipsShenzhen, China, seminar addresses safe pilotage for cruise ships

More than 100 professionals and captains from major international cruise lines, pilot agencies from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia, and government officials participated in the first 'Safe Piloting and Techniques Seminar' in Shenzhen, China.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

May 30, 2018

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The two-day event was organized by Genting Cruise Lines—a division of Genting Hong Kong comprised of Dream Cruises, Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises—along with the China Maritime Pilots' Association (CMPA), Shenzhen Pilots (SZP) and Hong Kong Pilots Association (HKPA).

Speakers included Chen Ying, deputy director of the Water Transport Bureau of China's Ministry of Transport; Lou He Ru, vice chairman of the Transport Commission of Shenzhen Municipality; Chen Jian Hua, EVP and secretary general of CMPA; Li Guan Hua, chairman of HKPA; and Lim Jiun Yan, SVP of Genting Cruise Lines.

Simulation studies, comparison of Azipod and conventional propulsion

The seminar's discussions covered a wide range of topics including simulation studies, the responsibilities of pilots, comparisons between new cruise ships equipped with Azipods and conventional cruise ships using propellers, and the bridge team setup.

The selection of Shenzhen as the event venue underscored the commitment and desire by Shenzhen Port to establish itself as a major cruise port while also improving its pilotage service standards.

'People-centric' approach

CMPA's Chen said safe cruise pilotage is key to cruise operations, adding that the discussions should be 'people centric' and go hand in hand with China's 'One Belt, One Road' initiatives, requiring pilots to fully understand the capabilities of propulsion devices on megaships, to master the special requirements and precautionary measures for safe entry and exit, to improve the pilots and captains’ skill sets, to strive to improve the service quality of cruise pilotage and enhance the safety of cruise ships in China ports.

HKPA's Li added that with the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou Nansha, Shenzhen Shekou and Hong Kong will do their utmost to provide high-quality and safe pilotage services for mega cruise ships that homeport in the Greater Bay Area.

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About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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