Hiroshima-based Tsuneishi Group has made a start on breaking into the passengership market by building a mini cruiseship.

Although not listed in its shipbuilding schedules, it has emerged the Hiroshima yard has quietly been constructing an 82-metre long luxury cruise vessel aimed at the high-end domestic market.

The vessel, to be named Guntu, has been launched and is scheduled to start operating in September this year.

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