The first Chinese-built cruise ship designed for polar trips set sail from Haimen, a county-level city in Nantong, in eastern Jiangsu province, on July 10, according to a report in the Nantong Daily.

The ship, co-developed by China Merchants Group and US-based Sunstone Ships Inc -- the world's leading provider of expedition vessels -- went on a seven days of sea trials.

The 104.4-meters long vessel can operate at a speed of 15.5 knots. With a gross tonnage of 7,400 tons, it can accommodate 255 people on board.

As polar region tours gain popularity, expedition cruises have been brought into the spotlight.

According to data, the polar expedition cruise ship usually has a smaller tonnage and passenger capacity than the ordinary cruise ship, and the safety requirements are also higher, as it is necessary to meet a certain ice resistance rating.

The ship is scheduled to finish its sea trails and return to Haimen on July 16. Technicians will then rectify any problems found during the trials before a September delivery to the owner, Sunstone Ships.

Sunstone has ordered a total of 10 of the cruise liners from the Chinese shipbuilder.

Construction began in March last year and Niels-Erik Lund, president and CEO of Sunstone, said progress had gone well, reflecting China's superb management in the shipbuilding industry.

The first Chinese-made cruise ship especially designed for polar expeditions sets sail from Haimen, a county-level city in Nantong, in East China’s Jiangsu province, on July 10 for seven days of sea trials. [Photo/Nantong Daily]