China’s first Cruise Tourism Development Demonstration Zone was launched in the Baoshan, in order for the latter to further develop for cruise and tourism operations. Shanghai considered the development of the cruise economy to be important, in order to be established as an international shipping centre.
Currently, Shanghai is the biggest cruise port in Asia, consisting of the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan, which started operations in 2011.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
Now, Shanghai plans to develop Wusongkou Cruise Port, in order to become the world’s third largest in terms of passenger visits, while at the same time forming an industrial chain worth $14 billion.
What is more, according to sources, MSC Cruises will operate its flagship MSC Bellissima from Baoshan port in June 2020, with Costa Cruises, Star Cruises and Royal Caribbean also planning to base new vessels there.
In addition, the local government has agreed with China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) and Fincantieri to build the Shanghai CSSC International Cruise Industrial Park. In fact, CSSC has already began constructing the first of a fleet of about 10 Chinese-built cruise ships operated by CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Limited.
Moreover, a two square kilometer industrial park is also on the plans.