The Dawanqu Yihao, China's first gas-electric hybrid-powered luxury catamaran, is delivered in Haimen district, Nantong, on Aug 14. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The design for a 52,000-ton liner independently developed by the Haimen base of China Merchants Industry Holdings was recently awarded an AIP (air independent propulsion) Certificate by UK-based Lloyd's Register, one of the world's leading ship classifiers.

The ship is about 235 meter long and 31 m wide and is capable of carrying 948 passengers. The designers adopted the latest stability and environmental protection standards, endowing the ship with better performance than similar liners in terms of speed, fuel efficiency, emissions, noise, and rider experience.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, it is the second medium-sized liner independently developed by the Haimen base, following a 37,000-ton luxury liner in 2019.

Officials said the recognition of Lloyd's Register reflects the base's progress in the independent research and development of high-end liners.

Haimen has made several breakthroughs for China's shipbuilding industry, including building China's first cruise ship designed for polar trips and its first gas-electric hybrid-powered luxury catamaran.