Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

COSCO’s Zhoushan shipyard to convert QE2

634d1c9dcb242f79c82f9ddd4fbcf772_XL
COSCO’s shipyard in Zhoushan awaiting QE2's arrival
COSCO’s shipyard in Zhoushan, China has secured the contract to convert the QE2 into a luxury floating hotel.

As reported by Seatrade Insider earlier this week the makeover will see the existing 990 cabins converted into 400 suites ranging from 60 to 150sq mtr.

The project which includes renovation of the cabins, ballroom, restaurants, lounges, cinema, maritime museum and shops is scheduled for completion by 2015.

COSCO Shipyard Group is a joint venture between China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and Singapore’s Sembcorp Marine. The group specializes in ship repair and conversion, newbuilding, conversions and offshore unit construction.

The Group operates six shipyards along China’s coastline. The Zhoushan yard where QE2 will be converted has three docks up to 300,000dwt.

In a statement, Khamis Juma Buamim, chairman of QE2 Holdings and Dubai’s Drydocks World, said: ‘We are pleased to be working closely with COSCO Shipyard for the technical repair and refurbishment process, which will be carried out with the utmost respect to the QE2’s heritage and splendour.’

Yan Chengxiang, vice president of COSCO Shipyard, added: ‘QE2 Holdings’ decision to carry out this work with us is a reflection of COSCO Shipyard and COSCO Group’s leading position in China’s shipbuilding industry, and it also should also generate optimism for a sector that is rapidly transforming.’

Daniel Chui, president and chief executive of QE2 Holdings and managing director of Oceanic Group, said: ‘The ship’s redevelopment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any interior design professional to create what will become one of Asia’s major waterfront tourist attractions.’