Balcony Cabins, Swimming Pool, Sauna
Five-Star Hotel-Level Amenities Unveiled
Maiden Voyage from Busan to Osaka on the 13th
102 Cabins, Accommodating 355 Passengers
Chairman Kim Hyungyeom: "Beyond Transportation, Transforming the Paradigm of Shipboard Travel"
'PanStar Miracle'! As the veil was lifted, its very first name was revealed to the world. The name of the first-ever cruise ferry built in Korea was clearly visible on the champagne-drenched bow. This was the moment when Korea, which has long boasted global-level shipbuilding technology for warships, merchant ships, and special vessels, began to write history in the field of new cruise ferry construction.
On the morning of the 9th, at Daesun Shipbuilding in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, PanStar Group, a comprehensive shipping and logistics company, held the naming ceremony for the luxury cruise ferry 'PanStar Miracle', the first of its kind built in Korea.
About 100 people attended the event, including Chairman Kim Hyungyeom and group executives, invited guests, officials from Daesun Shipbuilding including CEO Kwon Mincheol, and the Korea representative of BV Classification Society. The crowd erupted in applause and exclamations of admiration.
Kang Jinmyung, wife of Chairman Kim Hyungyeom and the ship's godmother, declared that the newly built cruise ferry would be named 'PanStar Miracle'. As the veil was lifted, the name engraved on the ship was revealed, followed by the ceremonial champagne breaking, symbolizing the birth of the vessel and wishing for its safe voyages.
Kang Jinmyung, National Assembly member Kim Miae, and Cho Hyunmin, CEO of Hanjin Co., took turns cutting the rope holding the large champagne bottle with an axe, smashing it against the bow. After the naming ceremony, the interior and facilities of PanStar Miracle, which had been shrouded in secrecy, were unveiled for the first time.
The Miracle was completed in just over four years after the conceptual design began in June 2021. It will officially begin service on the 13th, embarking on its maiden voyage from Busan International Passenger Terminal to Osaka, Japan.
With a gross tonnage of 22,000 tons, the ship is 171 meters long and 25.4 meters wide. It has 102 cabins and can accommodate up to 355 passengers. It can also carry about 250 20-foot containers. The construction cost was approximately $100 million.
The vessel features a hull design that minimizes noise and vibration, and is equipped with a high-efficiency, eco-friendly hybrid engine that significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions. This allows the voyage between Busan and Osaka to be shortened by more than two hours compared to the existing PanStar Dream.
The ship is equipped with advanced safety devices, including fin stabilizers that keep the hull stable even in rough seas, and the SRtP (Safety Return to Port) system, which enables safe return to the nearest port in case of emergency.
The ship boasts five-star hotel-level interiors and amenities, including balcony cabins, an outdoor swimming pool, jogging track, outdoor grass garden, sauna, cafe, therapy room, GX room, casino game bar, and VIP panoramic lounge, all considered iconic features of a cruise.
According to PanStar Group, the ship is also equipped with a system that sterilizes air supplied on board using high-frequency waves, and individual temperature control systems in each cabin, in preparation for infectious disease pandemics like COVID-19.
High-speed Wi-Fi using low-orbit satellites is provided, making it possible for younger customers to enjoy 'workation' on board.
From boarding until arrival at the destination, a variety of cultural programs are offered throughout the ship, including musicals, shows, musical performances, and about 20 other activities such as barista and sommelier experiences. In the restaurant, guests can enjoy a wide range of Eastern and Western cuisine in buffet and fine dining course formats.
PanStar Group plans to deploy the Miracle not only on the existing Busan-Osaka Seto Inland Sea cruise and Busan one-night cruise, but also on various non-regular international cruise routes, such as three-night, four-day cruises calling at nearby foreign tourist destinations like Japan, Taiwan, and China.
Chairman Kim Hyungyeom emphasized, "The Miracle is historically significant as the first cruise passenger ship built in Korea with domestic capital and technology, and it heralds a new future for our shipbuilding industry."
Chairman Kim added, "By offering delicious food, wonderful performances, and a variety of cultural lectures throughout the voyage, we will change the paradigm of ship travel so that life on board itself becomes a fantastic journey, rather than just a means of transportation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
