VESSEL REVIEW | Hailu 01 – Three-deck dining and events vessel to operate in China's Haikou Bay

Chinese company the Hainan Tourism Investment Group recently took delivery of its first vessel, a sightseeing catamaran built by Aulong Shipbuilding to a design by the Yangtze River Ship Design Institute.

Hailu 01 (海旅01; “Sea Travel 01”) will be operated primarily in Haikou Bay in the Qiongzhou Strait north of Hainan Province. It can be operated as a tour vessel or as a floating venue for private dining and entertainment activities.

Selection of onboard spaces for a range of activities

The newbuild has all-steel construction, an LOA of 42.8 metres (140 feet), a beam of 12 metres (39 feet), and two main engines driving propellers to deliver a service speed of 11 knots.

The superstructure houses three decks that can house a maximum of 240 passengers. The main deck has large windows to provide passengers with clearer views of the outside as well as dining facilities that serve Cantonese- and Western-style light meals.

The second deck meanwhile features private dining/conference rooms. The interiors on this deck are finished with a minimalist feel of black, white, and grey tones to create a tranquil and balanced atmosphere.

The top deck has an interactive observation area from where passengers can take in the sights during daytime. At night, this area can be reconfigured as an open-air bar with neon mood lights and a DJ’s booth.

Hailu 01’s 12-kilometre (7.5-mile) route will pass by notable landmarks in Hainan such as the Haikou Century Bridge, the Sky Mountain Pavilion, and the Haikou Yundong Library known for its prominent geometric structure.

The acquisition of Hailu 01 falls under the Haikou Bay cruise project, which aims to help develop Hainan’s tourism industry. The vessel has already commenced operational sailings, and among its initial voyages were dinner cruises in Haikou Bay on the eve of the Lunar New Year.