The economies of scale are a powerful driver to build ever larger cruise ships, but has a maximum size been reached? Kari Reinikainen reports Forty years ago, the shipping media carried stories about a 250,000gt cruise ship that the chairman of what was then Norwegian Caribbean Line (NCL), Knut Kloster, was planning to build: it […]
Completed just five years since the signing of the initial contract, Adora Magic City is a potent symbol of China’s shipbuilding dominance. While the 135,500 gt cruise ship, which has accommodation for 5,246 passengers can’t claim to be the world’s most innovative vessel – being largely based on Carnival Corp’s Vista class vessels and built […]
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the first ferry to become often referred to as a ro-pax – the Majestic of Grandi Navi Veloci. While the ship and its numerous sister ships featured high-quality passenger accommodation, ro-paxes soon became regarded mainly as ferry companies’ response to budget airlines, providing a no-frills […]
The Cruise Division of MSC Group has confirmed firm orders for two hydrogen-powered vessels for its luxury travel brand Explora Journeys with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. MSC has also pledged to continue its push towards a 2050 net zero-carbon emissions target by investing in new environmental technologies for the luxury ships. The deal completes a […]
The Spanish shipyard group has further consolidated its position as the leading European cruise shiprepair specialist over the past few years Navantia handled a total of 14 cruise ship projects in 2022, down slightly from 18 cruise ships in 2021. However, the latter was an exceptionally strong year because of the return of cruise business […]
By Kari Reinikainen, Correspondent Silver Nova, a 54,700gt newbuilding that Meyer Werft in Germany has recently delivered to Silversea Cruises, part of the Royal Caribbean Group, features a layout that represents new thinking on cruise ships of this size. Perhaps the most immediately visible feature in the layout is the location of the swimming pool […]
Canadian shipyard operator’s prospects are improving rapidly following the resumption of regional cruise operations With the return of regional cruise operations post-pandemic, both Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards have had the opportunity to work on several cruise ships over the last 18 months. Four cruise ships docked at Vancouver Drydock in 2022. The first of […]
SeaTec Services reports increased demand for its propeller polishing and hull cleaning services on the back of the latest IMO environmental regulations UK-based SeaTec Services last year launched its new closed-circuit propeller polishing system, which features technology that captures biofouling and metal particles and removes them safely to the surface for filtering. Over the past […]
A&P Falmouth has completed a multi-million-pound program of works on the largest passenger ship to visit the facility in over 60 years. Bolette, a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ vessel, entered drydock for a 13-day refurbishment, including maintenance to the ship’s azipods and bow thrusters as well as a new application of underwater paint. This was […]
Uplifts in cruise ship and offshore work are helping ensure that this year is a very positive one for the Italian yard group The first quarter of 2023 has been a busy period for Fincantieri’s repair and conversion shipyards, with some projects continuing from last year and additional projects entering its facilities at Palermo and […]
First China-made Adora Cruises’ ship to set sail in 2023 China’s push to expand its presence in the cruise ship construction sector is in the spotlight again, with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) releasing further details for its joint venture with US-based Carnival Corporation, and also previewing a new luxury cruise ship design. The Chinese […]
Portuguese shipyard Navalrocha reports that 2022 to date has been its busiest period since 2017, with success in a number of markets including cruise ships and passenger ferries, general cargo vessels, tugs, tankers and chemical carriers. The yard has also docked a number of naval vessels so far this year. Due to high levels of […]