United Waterways Confirms Two More Hybrid Cruise Newbuilds in China

United Waterways and its ocean division Ocean Advice have confirmed shipbuilding contracts for one expedition and one coastal cruise ship in China, with two further deals close to finalisation. The vessels form part of a planned eight-ship programme at China Merchant Heavy Industry Jiangsu Shipyard, combining four coastal cruise ships and four expedition vessels. Positioned as multi-fuel hybrid platforms ready to comply with the European Union's 2050 goals, the ships are designed to reach ports inaccessible to larger cruise vessels.

 

Details of the New Contracts

 

United Waterways has advanced its cruise ship newbuilding programme. The Basel-based company and its ocean division Ocean Advice confirmed new contracts. These cover one expedition and one coastal cruise ship. The company is also finalising deals for two other vessels. All are being built with Chinese shipbuilders.

The latest orders specify particular vessel configurations. Ocean Advice placed orders for one 260-passenger coastal cruise ship. It also ordered one 186-passenger expedition ship. Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2029. Ocean Advice serves as the company's counterpart for oceangoing passenger ship management.

 

The Broader Newbuilding Programme

 

The contracts form part of a larger construction plan. The five newbuilds belong to a planned eight-ship programme. Newbuilding slots for all eight vessels have been secured. These are at China Merchant Heavy Industry Jiangsu Shipyard. This framework establishes the shape of the overall programme.

The programme balances two distinct vessel types. It will include four coastal cruise ships in total. It will also feature four expedition cruise vessels. This mix reflects the two markets the company aims to serve. Earlier, the company signed a contract for a 186-passenger expedition ship for Poseidon Expeditions, due in September 2028.

 

The Shipyard's Expertise

 

The chosen shipyard brings relevant construction experience. CMHI Jiangsu specialises in purpose-built, small-scale luxury expedition ships. This expertise aligns with the company's requirements. It provides confidence in the shipyard's ability to deliver. This experience was a factor in securing the newbuilding slots there.

The shipyard has a recent track record in the segment. It most recently delivered a series of Infinity-class vessels for SunStone. These used the Ulstein X-Bow design. This demonstrates the yard's capability with specialised expedition vessels. Such experience is valuable for the company's purpose-built ship requirements.

 

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Sustainability and Multi-Fuel Design

 

The vessels are designed with future environmental standards in mind. The company described them as the first multi-fuel platform from 2028. They are intended to be ready to comply with the European Union's 2050 goals. This positions the vessels for the tightening regulatory environment. Sustainability is central to their design rationale.

The design combines expertise from multiple regions. Much of the design and technology will be imported from Europe and the US. This will be enhanced with China's electrification knowledge. The result is a hybrid ship meeting stringent sustainability standards. These standards apply to the vessels' intended cruising areas.

 

Operational Advantages

 

The vessels offer specific operational benefits. They are shallow-draught, smaller-sized expedition and coastal cruise ships. This design allows them to reach ports inaccessible to large cruise ships. This capability opens up destinations that bigger vessels cannot serve. It represents a key advantage of the small-ship concept.

The programme reflects the company's broader business model. United Waterways is Europe's largest white-label ship manager. The ocean programme gives operators access to purpose-built vessels. This is supported by comprehensive technical, nautical and hospitality management services. The concept allows brands to access specialised ships without building them directly.

 

Market Demand and Outlook

 

Progress on the programme signals strong client interest. Company leadership noted that five of eight slots are already underway. This was described as clearly demonstrating demand for the ships. It confirms that clients see value in the small-ship ocean concept. This early commitment supports the programme's commercial rationale.

The company frames the programme as meeting a distinct market need. Its innovative ships target operators seeking specialised vessels. The small-ship concept combines flexibility with sustainability credentials. This positions the company to serve the expedition and coastal cruise markets. The confirmed contracts advance this strategy toward delivery.