The Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Corporation (SWS) under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) delivered a 114,000-ton oil tanker to a Greek shipping company Thursday, marking the first new vessel delivery of 2025 from Chinese shipyards.
The new ship, named "Seascout," belongs to the latest generation of refined oil tankers independently designed and developed by the SWS, capable of transporting 114,000 tons of refined oil.
The vessel is equipped with an eco-friendly propulsion system, and features upgraded hydrodynamic performance and energy efficiency. It also meets the latest international emission standards, positioning it as a more environmentally responsible option for global shipping.
The new tanker has been well-received in the market, with more than 20 orders currently on hand for this model.
Looking ahead, Chinese shipyards are set to deliver a range of large vessels in 2025, including car carriers, container ships, and liquefied natural gas carriers. Additionally, the second domestically-built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, is expected to reach key milestones, such as hull completion and its first float-out.
Chinese shipyard delivers 114,000-ton oil tanker
Starting from Jan 1, "Beijing Service," a service platform backed by the Beijing municipal government, extended its coverage to the city's two international airports, setting up 24-hour kiosks to facilitate visitors from abroad.
On the first day of 2025, two Beijing Service kiosks near the international arrivals areas of Beijing's Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport were put into use, with well-trained staff providing 24-hour multilingual services for global travelers.
"This year we have set up service stations in Beijing's Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport to provide travelers with one-stop services including payment setup, mobile phone services, and transport and tourism consultation, covering four categories of more than 20 convenient services. The services aim to further facilitate foreigners to study, travel, or live in Beijing, and to upgrade the level of Beijing's international services," said Zhang Li, division chief of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Government Services and Data Management.
The move came after the city's recent poll with international visitors on what could be done to improve their experience in China, aiming to better support the surging global visitors brought by the country's visa-free policies.
The Beijing Service platform can now provide a one-stop solution to newcomers, and address most of the common concerns of foreign travelers.
"So far, I haven't had any problems, and it seems quite straightforward and it's easy to follow the instructions, everyone gives clear instructions, so it's quite easy to follow. So far everyone I have talked to is able to give feedback (on) what I needed, so it's been good," said Rahima Siddiqui, a traveler from New Zealand.
Beijing Service platform offers one-stop solutions to int'l visitors
