Largest Ever Wooden Boat under Construction

by IBI News/Mike Derrett on 9 Apr 2007 Mumbai-based Classicraft Marine Works is well advanced in building what must be one of the largest wooden boats in the world, a 49.4m (162ft)-long replica of a 15th Century Chinese Junk. The boat has been ordered by a German client who will use it for charter business in the region.

According to BS Bhandarkar, owner of Classicraft: 'To build this boat is the fulfilment of a vision I have had for a long time to construct a replica of the large Chinese Junks that were built in the Ming Dynasty and used during the seven expeditions of the famous Admiral Zheng He in the period 1405-1433. I have done a lot of research into the construction of the Junks used by the Chinese for long-distance voyages and this Junk will be as original as possible with the addition of twin Volvo D16 Diesel engines, three generator sets and air-condition cabins for the guests and for ease of operation by the owners. The customer visited Hong Kong and China trying to find a builder without success until he visited Mumbai and found my company through the yellow pages!'

The Junk, when completed, will weigh an estimated 700 tonnes with 500 tonnes of Malaysian hardwood being used in its construction. The Junk is being built to Class under the International Shipping Register in New Orleans USA and will have nine guest cabins. Total cost of the project is approximately €10 million and completion is scheduled for 2008.

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