VESSEL REVIEW | Lujiang Reception Hall – Three-deck electric boat for sightseeing trips in China's Anhui Province
China’s Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding has handed over a new fully electric sightseeing boat that will be operated out of Lujiang County in Anhui Province.
Owned by Xiamen Lunzong Maritime Passenger Transport and Tourism, Lujiang Reception Hall (鹭江会客厅; Lujiang Hui Keting) has a length of 47.47 metres (155.7 feet), a beam of 15 metres (49 feet), a draught of only 2.23 metres (7.32 feet), a depth of 3.4 metres (11 feet), a gross tonnage of 980, and space for up to 300 passengers, nine crewmembers and nine service personnel.
Key features include an upper deck with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering a 360-degree view, a top deck that can also serve as a viewing area, and a dynamic lighting system that automatically adjusts brightness depending on outside conditions.
Onboard spaces include a stage for live performances, a multi-function hall, smaller rooms for private gatherings, and an outdoor check-in platform.
Fitted with intelligent monitoring and passenger assistance systems
An AI-enabled sightseeing assistance system works in conjunction with holographic imaging screens fitted throughout the vessel to serve as a virtual tour guide for passengers.
The vessel is equipped with a 5,487kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack that drives 600kW motors. A single full charge of the batteries will enable the vessel to sail up to 70 nautical miles while generating only minimal noise and vibration.
The helm console is a multi-screen arrangement that integrates navigation control and real-time monitoring of parameters such as battery power, fire safety and passenger flows.
The intelligent monitoring system is capable of 24-hour operation.
Also used as a demonstration platform
The vessel will sail on three trips daily out of the Xiamen Lujiang Terminal. The route will bring passengers close to noted attractions such as the Shimao Twin Towers, Yanwu Bridge, and Ludao Island.
Lujiang Reception Hall was built in compliance with China Classification Society requirements.
Design work on the vessel was undertaken by the Fujian Changhang Green Intelligent Ship Research Institute.
Development of the sightseeing vessel formed part of an electric inland navigation demonstration project initiated by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
