Nansha delivers first luxury ship to Algeria

An aerial view of the Badji Mokhtar Ⅲ, a luxury roll-on/roll-off passenger ship built for Algeria by the CSSC's subsidiary in Guangzhou. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

A luxury roll-on/roll-off passenger ship built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for Algeria set off from Longxue Island in Guangzhou's Nansha district on July 15 to the Port of Algiers in Algeria.

The ship was named after Badji Mokhtar Ⅲ, an Algerian National Liberation (1954-1962) hero.

The order for the ship was made in 2018, which marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Algeria. 

The overall design and manufacturing of the ship was led by the Nansha-based Guangzhou Shipyard International, a subsidiary of the CSSC. The Mediterranean-style ship is decorated with local Algerian art, long blue sofas and green leather chairs.

"There's no doubt that this will be the biggest and best roll-on/roll-off passenger ship in Algeria," said Tifrit Djamal Eddine, captain of the ship. 

The interior design of the ship is full of Mediterranean style. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

The ship will be put into operation in international shipping routes from Algiers, capital of Algeria, to ports in South Europe such as Marseilles, France and Barcelona, Spain.

It is 200 meters in length and 30 meters in width with a designed draft of 6.7 meters. Its highest navigational speed can reach 24 knots, and the ship can remarkably help save travel time and optimize transportation between North Africa and Europe, offering solid support for Algeria's economic and trade development. 

A total of 12 decks were built on the ship, allowing the ship to carry 1,800 passengers and 600 automobiles at the same time. The total floorage of the ship exceeded 20,000 square meters and public facilities such as outdoor entertainment areas, duty-free shops, bars and restaurants are onboard the ship.