The Dutch shipbuilder Concordia Damen, based in Werkendam, has initiated the construction of a new river cruise vessel for Century Cruises, a prominent player in China's river cruise industry. This vessel, named Century Star, marks Century Cruises' debut in the European river cruise market, developed in collaboration with United Waterways.
Century Star Arrival and Delivery Timeline
The hull of Century Star has recently reached Concordia Damen's Werkendam yard for outfitting, with delivery anticipated in June 2026. This project is a significant move for Century Cruises as they expand their operations into Europe through their partnership with United Waterways.
About Century Cruises and United Waterways
Century Cruises, a luxury river cruise operator established in 1992, is renowned for its luxurious and eco-friendly operations on the Yangtze River. By partnering with Basel-based United Waterways, Century Cruises gains access to white label services that encompass infrastructure, ship management, and hospitality, aligning with their mission to expand into new markets.
Enhancing River Cruise Experiences
Alex Ye, CEO of Century Cruises, highlighted the importance of United Waterways' expertise in familiarising their customer base with Europe's river cruise culture. He stated, “Concordia Damen’s reputation for excellence aligns seamlessly with our values of quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship.”
Concordia Damen's Sustainable Design and Innovation
Concordia Damen has been recognised for its sustainable and efficient river cruise designs, striving to integrate modern, environmentally friendly technology with their proven designs and experience. Over the coming months, they will customise the Century Star to ensure it offers luxurious comfort, efficiency, and innovative design for its passengers on Europe's rivers.
Dutch, Werkendam-based shipbuilder - Concordia Damen has commenced construction of a new River Cruise vessel for Century Cruises, one of China’s major river cruise operators.
The vessel has been developed in partnership with United Waterways, and marks Century Cruises’ official entry into the European river cruise market. The hull of the vessel, to be named Century Star, has recently arrived at Concordia Damen’s yard in Werkendam for outfitting. Delivery is scheduled for June 2026.
Century Cruises
The company aims to expand its operations through a partnership with United Waterways
Century Cruises is a Chinese luxury river cruise operator founded in 1992, best known for its operations on the Yangtze River and for pioneering luxury and eco-friendly shipbuilding in China.
The company aims to expand its operations through a partnership with United Waterways, which in turn provides Century Cruises with white label services.
United Waterways is a Basel-based river cruise service provider that acts as the operator behind its clients´ brands, handling infrastructure, ship management, and hospitality services.
River cruise culture
In August, Alex Ye, CEO of Century Cruises, already stated that United Waterways´ expertise is important in helping Century Cruises to introduce its customers to Europe’s river cruise culture.
The CEO also said that “Concordia Damen’s reputation for excellence aligns seamlessly with our values of quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship.”
Sustainable and efficient river cruise designs
The operator recognised Concordia Damen for its sustainable and efficient river cruise designs. As with other inland navigation vessel types, the shipbuilder aims to combine proven designs and experience with modern, environmentally friendly technology.
In the coming months, Concordia Damen will tailor the Century Star for luxury cruising on Europe’s rivers, offering high standards of comfort, efficiency, and design.
