Al-Hashemi-II "world's largest wooden ship" celebrates 15th anniversary

Photo: KUNA

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Fifteen years have passed since Al-Hashemi-II, the world's largest wooden ship, was erected as a landmark showcasing Kuwait's marine heritage.

With measurements of 83.75 m long and a 18.5 meters beam, Al-Hashemi-II sits on 6,000 square meters of land. Apart from bringing back memories of those graceful bygone days of sail, it has been recognized by Guiness World Records as the largest wooden dhow in the world.

The large Dhow-type ship was laid down in 1997 and was completed in 2001. The construction of the ship cost more than 30 million dollars through 2001.

The ship, owned by Husain Marafie, sits next to the Radisson Blu hotel and is used as a ceremonial hall. Hand-forged by shipbuilders and master craftsmen in Kozhikode, India, this vessel took 15 years to complete. A total of 35,000 hours went into the ship's construction, with meticulous care applied to every detail.

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