VESSEL REVIEW | Liuheng 1 – Chinese inland tour boat with 335-passenger capacity

Chinese shipbuilder Hunan Xiangchuan Heavy Industry has delivered a new aluminium sightseeing vessel to Zhejiang province-based operator Liuheng Transportation Corporation.

Classed by China Classification Society (CCS), Liuheng 1 has a length of 49.35 metres, a beam of 8.5 metres, and capacity for 335 passengers. Two 1,398 kW diesel engines deliver a speed of 17 knots. The vessel’s hull is made of steel while three layers of aluminium were used for the superstructure to ensure durability and stability.

Some of the onboard spaces are barrier-free to guarantee improved access for passengers with limited mobility. The main passenger cabin is divided into sections with a total of 323 seats. Other facilities are three conference rooms and six toilets. The interior spaces also feature USB charging ports and wifi connectivity.

Liuheng 1 will be operated between the city of Zhoushan on the mainland and Liuheng Island in Zhejiang province. The vessel is capable of completing the 48-kilometre, one-way journey between the two destinations in 55 minutes.

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