Hybrid interprovincial cruise ship launched

By Yan Wanqin

The Vista Harmony, one of China’s largest hybrid-powered interprovincial cruise ships on the Yangtze River, was launched in Zhijiang on September 12.

This milestone marks the completion of the main hull structure. The ship will now move into outfitting and equipment commissioning, with delivery scheduled for May 2026.
 

The Vista Harmony is launched at Yichang Xinhui shipyard. Photo by Gao Jing.

With investments from the Three Gorges Tourism Group, the ship was built by Yichang Xinhui Shipyard as part of a 1.06 billion yuan (US$149 million) project to construct four new hybrid cruise ships.

Measuring about 150 meters long and 23 meters wide, the Vista Harmony can carry up to 650 passengers. It will mainly operate sightseeing tours between Yichang and Chongqing.

As one of the country’s largest low-carbon cruise ships, it joins the group's growing new-energy fleet, which already includes the Yangtze River Three Gorges 1, Xilingxia Heyue, and Xilingxia Hexie.

A rendering image of the Vista Harmony cruise ship. Photo from Hubei Three Gorges Cultural Tourism.

The ship's hybrid power system supports a range of 1,500 kilometers and increases energy efficiency by 20 percent compared to similar vessels. It is equipped with an autopilot system and a DC inverter low-noise, low-vibration air-conditioning system.

The ship incorporates Huawei's HarmonyOS smart home system, enabling integrated control of lighting, curtains, air conditioning, smart locks, and other devices. It was co-designed by Wuhan Yangtze River Ship Design Institute Co., Ltd., a leading domestic inland ship design company, and Partner Ship Design, a renowned German firm specializing in high-end cruise design. 

Fu Jiangshan and Wang Ying contributed to this story.