Cruise ship operator Genting Hong Kong is set to add 10 new ships to its cruise fleet, after it signed an order agreement with its German partner Lloyd Werft Group on Tuesday.
The order comprises two "global class" mega ships for Star Cruises and eight vessels for Crystal Cruises, the group announced in a statement. The signing ceremony took place in Wismar, Germany.
The company has a primary listing in Hong Kong and a secondary listing in Singapore.
The two "global class" ships for Star Cruises, the largest to be built in Germany, each measure 201,000 gross tonnes with 5,000 lower berths, and will be the first purpose-built cruise ships deployed for the contemporary Chinese market, which typically caters to families. They are slated to be delivered between 2019 and 2020.
"Passengers on our 'global class' ships will enjoy an international class cruise experience to all parts of the world, yet in an environment where they will feel at home, whether it is food, culture, shows, enrichment programmes or excursions," said Genting Hong Kong chairman Lim Kok Thay.
"With the first two ships, we are focused on delivering a world-class vacation experience for Chinese cruise passengers at an affordable price, while enjoying fun-filled onboard and on-land adventures in many cities in the most seamless way, without the necessity of checking in and checking out of airports and hotels."
Genting Hong Kong owns brands such as Crystal Cruises, targeted at the international luxury market, Dream Cruises, catering to the Asian luxury market, and Star Cruises, for the contemporary market.
The group recently bought four shipyards to form the Lloyd Werft Group to produce enough ships for early deliveries for its rapid fleet expansion. The Lloyd Werft Group is expected to eventually produce two mega ships of over 200,000 gross tonnes each and a mid-sized ship of 50,000 gross tonnes every year.
Genting Hong Kong said it plans to set up a new design centre for new shipbuilding with Lloyd Werft Group in Bremerhaven, Germany.
Genting Hong Kong shares closed half a US cent or 1.6 per cent up at 32.5 US cents (S$0.44).
