Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd is to build a new type ROPAX for the Viking Line of Finland. [Photo/taihainet.com]

Dry-dock construction of a cutting-edge ROPAX built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd for Finland's Viking Line kicked off in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on June 3.

The term ROPAX describes a Ro-Ro, or roll-on roll-off vessel, that is built for freight vehicle transportation but also has passenger accommodation.

The construction of the 2,800-passenger ROPAX began in September last year. The builders said it is the largest of its kind ever built.

The vessel has 13 levels of decks, including three levels for holding vehicles, three levels of accommodation and four as a public area for passengers.

It is equipped with a cafeteria, a rotating restaurant, various European-style restaurants, bars, cafes, duty-free shops, a multi-functional theater, and many other leisure and entertainment facilities.

The vessel will operate on routes between the city of Turku on the southwest coast of Finland and Stockholm, capital city of Sweden.

Local officials said the construction of the ROPAX was expected to boost Xiamen's cruise ship economy and help the city become a global passenger cruiser tourism hub.