VESSEL REVIEW | Jiuzhou Wan No 1 – Theme sightseeing boat delivered to China's Blue Sea Jet
Chinese transport company the Zhuhai Transportation Holdings Group, via its Blue Sea Jet business unit, has taken delivery of a new passenger vessel built locally by Jianglong Shipbuilding for operation in the Greater Bay Area between Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Jiuzhou Wan No 1 (九洲湾1号; “Jiuzhou Bay No 1”) has steel/aluminium construction, an LOA of 62 metres (200 feet), a beam of 11.6 metres (38 feet), a design speed of 17 knots, and a space for up to 368 passengers.
Designed to provide an interactive experience for guests
The vessel is built as a nearshore situational theme sightseeing boat and is one of the first vessels of its kind to enter operational service in China.
The onboard theme is inspired by the Chinese mythological character Nezha, who has traditionally been associated with fire. The vessel therefore features a mix of red, yellow, and black as main colours, while passengers are treated to a complete interactive experience onboard with games, live performances, and related activities.
The main deck has the main passenger area and an adjacent hall fitted with projectors that generate a range of light effects suitable for the selection of events held on board. The upper deck has an observation lounge, a VIP room, and an exhibition area with integrated screens.
On the third deck is the sun deck while the top deck has a panoramic sightseeing platform.
Slated for daily sightseeing trips
Jiuzhou Wan No 1 will be operated primarily on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge sightseeing route with a minimum of three daily voyages out of the Jiuzhou Passenger Port in Zhuhai.
Each voyage lasts about an hour and 40 minutes and passes by attractions such as the Zhuhai-Macau Port Artificial Island, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the Qingzhou Waterway Bridge, and Zhuhai Opera House.
The vessel was designed by the Guangzhou Ship and Offshore Engineering Design and Research Institute in compliance with China Classification Society rules.
