VESSEL REVIEW | Laohutan – Sightseeing and events vessel enters service in Dalian, China

Chinese company the Dalian Cultural Tourism Development Group recently took delivery of a new sightseeing vessel built by the Wuxi Dongfang Ship Research High Performance Boat Engineering Company.

Named Laohutan (老虎滩; "Tiger Beach"), the vessel will operate mainly off the city of Dalian in Liaoning province in a leisure/sightseeing role, but may also be used as a floating venue for corporate receptions, banquets, and other private events. The vessel's operations will form part of the Sea Tour Dalian cultural and tourism project implemented by the Dalian Municipal Party Committee and the Dalian Municipal Government to promote the area as a marine city and facilitate the development of the local tourism industry.

Enhanced amenities and comfort

The monohull vessel has all-steel construction, an LOA of 55 metres (180 feet), a moulded beam of 12.8 metres (42 feet), a draught of 2.12 metres (6.95 feet), a moulded depth of 3.55 metres (11.6 feet), and capacity for 300 passengers across three decks. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the main and upper decks to provide passengers with unobstructed views of the outside.

The propulsion arrangement consists of two Weichai 6WH17C1000 main diesel engines driving propellers via straight shafts as well as two rudders. Power for the onboard systems is supplied by two Siemens 1FC2 generators.

The propulsion system delivers an operating speed of 10 knots. Recently completed sea trials also showed that the vessel satisfied the low noise level and stability requirements stipulated by the owner. In particular, the average noise heard from inside the main and second decks was only 42 dB, which is considerably below the maximum allowed limit of 64 dB applied to vessels fitted with diesel engines. Roll is greatly reduced even under sea conditions with wave heights of up to 1.5 metres.

Laohutan is classed by China Classification Society and will serve both daytime and nighttime cruises. The vessel will sail on four round-trips daily with each trip lasting between 40 and 90 minutes. The 09:30 and 16:20 departures will each include a special seafood buffet service with fresh catch from the waters off Dalian.