Oliver Design completes architectural design and exterior styling for Scenic Eclipse

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 April 2016 25 April 2016

Oliver Design, a company specialising in naval design and architecture with Head Offices in Getxo (Bizkaia), has won a contract from Australian cruiser operator Scenic Cruises to develop the architectural design and exterior styling of the Scenic Eclipse, the world's most sophisticated luxury vessel. The Spanish company, based in the Basque Country, is playing a key role in this iconic project, which will redefine the concept of the cruiser, combining the opulence of a first class cruise with a chance to discover almost virgin landscapes and extreme natural environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic coasts and even the seabed.

The Scenic Eclipse is a pioneer in its class, defined by the owners as the “world's first discovery yacht”. This is a ship Jules Verne would have loved for its capacity to reach destinations most people have ever only seen on TV documentaries.

This 165-metre, 16,500 tonne super-luxury cruiser in mega-yacht format, with a beam of 22 metres, will incorporate the latest novelties in naval design and technology. Although intended for an exclusive clientele (carrying 228 passengers in 114 luxury suites), the ship will be adapted to withstand the most demanding conditions – storms, extreme temperatures, ice, etc. The icebreaker-like reinforced hull, special stabilisers to smooth large swells and duplicated critical ship systems will all ensure maximum passenger safety.

The vessel will be fitted with two helicopters, a seven-seater submarine, Zodiacs, diving equipment and kayaks to offer passengers a unique experience discovering different marine and coastal environments. The Scenic Eclipse will also be adapted to minimise impact on protected environments, using a system that will allow it to remain stationary without an anchor, and energy systems that minimise emissions.

Together with its six-star suites, the ship will have services comparable to those of a super-luxury hotel: restaurants serving international cuisine, a butler service, a 240-seat conference room, gyms and a heated swimming pool with retractable roof. All of these factors bring the estimated construction cost to $250 million (around €223m).

The vessel is currently being built in the Uljanik shipyards in Pula (Croatia) and is due to make its maiden voyage between Istanbul and Venice in August 2018. A further twenty cruise itineraries are scheduled in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, Antarctica, the Arctic and various routes in North and South America.

The marine and off-shore division of the leading certification and classification firm, Bureau Veritas, will be responsible for certifying the ship to the strictest safety criteria.

The owner, Scenic, is an Australian company founded in 1987 by Glen Moroney, specialising in luxury cruisers. It already operates twenty river cruise ships in Europe, Russia and South East Asia. Created in the environs of the city of Melbourne, the firm soon began to diversify, and it entered the river cruise scenic market in 2008. The company has 400 employees, a fleet of 21 ships, and annual turnover of around 40 million dollars.

The role of Oliver Design

Competing against specialist firms from around the world, Oliver Design was chosen by this demanding shipowner to develop the entire exterior styling of the vessel, as well as the architectural conceptual design.

In developing the architectural project, Oliver Design has worked in coordination with the Finnish naval engineering firm Foreship to meet the highest technical, legal and regulatory requirements required of a polar class vessel, as well as the even more challenging demands involved in the complexity of the Scenic Eclipse.

Some of the most significant and complex aspects of Oliver Design’s architectural design include:
– A large heliport and two hangars for medium-large sized helicopters in the upper part of the stern, with two folding wings on the sides.
– An “indoor/outdoor ” pool with a retractable roof, also in the stern.
– A 300 square metre spa with access to Jacuzzi-type swimming pools on the stern of Deck 5.
– Six different on-board restaurants, with very individual and welcoming ambiences.
– An onboard garage for several kayaks, six inflatable dinghies and a small submarine to allow passengers to enjoy the full experience of discovering the marine environment.
– A 240-seat theatre fitted with the most advanced media for hosting shows, meetings, lectures, etc.
– One of the most complex tasks involved layout of the midship cabins and the luxury suites in the bow, together with the necessary service and upkeep.
– All of these features are coordinated with a stunning external design, finalised after numerous different proposals, alternatives, external impact studies, etc.

Passenger ship sewage discharges into the Baltic Sea will be banned

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 22 April 2016 22 April 2016

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed this week that the Baltic Sea special area for sewage discharges from passenger ships under Annex IV or the MARPOL Convention will take effect by latest 2021 for IMO registered passenger vessels. However, in certain cases of direct passages between St. Petersburg area and the North Sea there is a two-year extension to the deadline, until 2023.

The decision means that by 2021 all IMO registered passenger vessels sailing in the Baltic Sea, as the first region in the world, must discharge all sewage at port reception facilities (PRFs), or treat it with an on-board treatment plant certified to meet stringent special area requirements. For new ships built on or later than 2019, these requirements will apply earlier.

The significant outcome concludes the long HELCOM process aiming to limit sewage discharges in the Baltic Sea from passenger vessels, as the emissions have negative impact on the marine environment.

The decision was made during the meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) ending today in London.

The proposal to designate the Baltic Sea as a special area for sewage within MARPOL Annex IV was developed by the HELCOM Maritime Working Group, which is made up of maritime administrations of the Baltic Sea coastal countries and the EU. This proposal was submitted to IMO MEPC by the coastal countries in 2010, following a decision by the 2007 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in Cracow, Poland.

Based on the submission the Baltic Sea was designated by IMO as a special area for sewage in 2011. However, according to the IMO decision this status would only take effect once the coastal countries informed IMO that adequate Port Reception Facilities are available in the region.

By the IMO meeting this week, all Baltic coastal countries had sent confirmation of adequate reception facilities in Baltic ports, as a result of substantial work on port reception facilities for sewage and their use in the Baltic Sea area by national administrations, ports and the passenger ship industry.

In order to document overall progress on sewage PRFs and their use in the region during recent years, an overview document was published by HELCOM in early 2015.

Upcoming events where related issues will be discussed include a joint session by HELCOM and CLIA on 18 May during the EU Maritime Day 2016 in Turku, Finland, and the International Workshop on Port Reception Facilities for the Baltic Sea as Special Area according to MARPOL Annex IV by Germany and BPO on 30 June - 1 July in Kiel, Germany.

Fincantieri and MSC Cruises celebrates coin ceremony of MSC Seaside

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 21 April 2016 21 April 2016

Today, MSC Cruises — the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa — and Fincantieri — heir to the great tradition of Italian shipbuilding and one of the largest shipbuilding groups in the world — marked an important milestone in the building of MSC Seaside with the celebration of the traditional maritime coin ceremony held at the Monfalcone, Italy shipyard.

MSC Seaside, the first of up to three MSC Cruises’ next-generation “Seaside” class of new cruise ships, is set to come into service in December 2017 and will be the cruise line’s newest ship to sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean. MSC Seaside forms a key pillar of the Company’s ten-plus years $10.2 billion investment plan, which includes the building of up to 11 next-generation smart ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026.

“MSC Seaside combines Fincantieri’s Italian flair and excellence in design with MSC Cruises’ global vision and focus on innovation for both hardware and product,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “This prototype is significantly different from anything we have ever built before as this is a ship dedicated to cruising in warm seas. The design of the ship embodies our passion for the sea with innovative features to enhance the enjoyment of the open water and sunshine for our guests. With the highest ratio of outdoor spaces on any of MSC Cruises’ ships, guests will also enjoy an increased number of balcony staterooms, sea views and public areas.”

"MSC Seaside, the biggest ship ever built in our shipyards, will strengthen our leadership as the most innovative shipbuilder in the cruise industry,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri. “This new concept will provide the owner with more revenue-generating solutions; more staterooms than a comparable, contemporary design; more open-deck space; and an increase in performances, being significantly more efficient.”

The Seaside class of ships is MSC Cruises’ fifth consecutive brand new prototype of ships, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to designing the most contemporary and technologically advanced new cruise ships that meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s cruise guests. This particular class of ships has been inspired by a pioneering beach condo concept, bringing guests and the sea closer.

The vision for MSC Seaside was to create something truly unique – bringing in to play the company’s focus on innovation, attention to detail, and the elegant side of the Mediterranean. Every element of the new cruise ship is designed to enable guests to enjoy the outdoors, from spacious staterooms and suites with outdoor spaces; to dining al fresco; to outdoor fitness facilities; to luxury cabanas for spa treatments in the open air.

At 1060 feet long with a gross tonnage of 160,000, the ship will accommodate 4,140 guests at double occupancy. MSC Seaside is the first of two identical ships in the Seaside generation. Her sister ship is set to enter service in 2018, while a third one – reflecting an existing option for one additional Seaside generation ship – would be delivered by 2021.

Caribbean Itineraries and the exclusive Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Starting in December 2017, MSC Seaside will feature three exciting Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries visiting ports in the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica and Puerto Rico — complementing the itineraries of MSC Divina, also sailing out of Miami.

In addition, the new cruise will call at MSC Cruises’ own Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Spanning 95-acres with 11,400 feet of pristine beach-front spread across six distinct beaches — representing in total the fourth longest beach in the world — this exclusive marine reserve private island experience will only be available to MSC Cruises’ guests.

The private island will feature a purpose-built berth and pier right on the seafront, allowing MSC Cruises guests to step straight off the ship onto the island. The destination will be a true and unique extension of the ship itself, with all the same services from the ship also available on shore, including an exclusive MSC Yacht Club area. The nightlife on the private island will include live music and entertainment in a 2,000-seat open air amphitheatre, as well as many restaurants and bars.

Unique design features

MSC Seaside will feature three unique outdoor catwalks that extend beyond the edge of the ship, with all glass railings and a glass floor, giving guests the feeling that they are walking on water. The catwalk on the top deck spans nearly 100 feet with views from the top of the ship; the other two catwalks located on deck eight, are 130 feet in length and are part of a 360° open air promenade, the widest on any ship ever built. This stunning public space encircles the entire ship with a tempting array of bars and restaurants so that guests can enjoy outdoor dining as well as a day or evening stroll to take in the sea air. Panoramic elevators will transport guests while providing stunning ocean views.

Variety of accommodations

The accommodations on MSC Seaside are specially designed to meet the needs of a variety of cruise guests, including families, groups, sun-lovers who want private outdoor space, and those looking for the exclusive style and luxury of the MSC Yacht Club. The various accommodations will include, among others:

– 14 exclusive aft corner suites where the beach condo design truly comes to life;

– A collection of terraced balcony staterooms — an industry first and exclusive design feature in which a portion of the balcony is uncovered — allowing guests the ability to unwind and relax in the sunshine on their own private terrace, overlooking the promenade and with sea views;

– New open modular connected staterooms for large families or groups, accommodating up to 10 people;

– Luxury suites with private two-person outdoor whirlpools;

The further enhanced MSC Yacht Club featured on MSC Seaside is located on the prestigious foredecks offering a vast private solarium, a private lounge and restaurant, and Royal Suites that include a private outdoor whirlpool.

Entertainment and on board activities

Exclusive, world-class entertainment is an important distinguishing feature of any MSC Cruises experience. The entertainment spaces on board MCS Seaside have been designed to offer a wide choice of performances and shows with a stunning new theatre and comedy club. Other features include family entertainment such as a full-sized bowling alley and a 5D cinema.

For thrill-seekers who want to experience the sensation of flying at sea, MSC Seaside will feature the longest zip line on any cruise ship currently at sea. Taking off from the funnel at the top of the ship, guests will fly an impressive 425 feet across the length of the ship landing at the aft.

Another industry-leading feature is the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea. MSC Seaside will be the first cruise ship to feature interactive Slideboarding technology, which combines a unique water slide and an interactive video game all-in-one. Guests will also enjoy two decks of fun and activities, including an adventure trail and multiple water slides.

Dining

With the focus on fine dining being one of the key features of the MSC Cruises’ offering, MSC Seaside will offer one of the more extensive choices of specially designed indoor and outdoor restaurants at sea, featuring cuisines from around the world and 20 distinct bars each with their own individual character.

“An important feature of an MSC Cruises vacation is the dining experience, which is distinguished by the extensive variety of Mediterranean and international cuisines on offering and wide range of dining formats available,” said Onorato. “Specifically for MSC Seaside, we are developing exciting new dining options for the delight of our guests, with nine eateries featuring cuisines from all around the world including a Pan-Asian restaurant in partnership with acclaimed chef, Roy Yamaguchi, a luxury seafood restaurant with a chef’s table and a world-class international steak house, amongst others.”

Through a partnership with pan-Asian celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, MSC Cruises will offer guests a specialty restaurant exclusive to MSC Seaside. The world-renowned chef will design every element of the restaurant that boasts magnificent views of the sea. Four teppanyaki grills with expertly trained chefs will create a visual spectacle for diners as they prepare a range of Asian dishes including Thai, Korean and traditional Japanese. The sushi, sashimi and raw bar will delight seafood lovers with fresh oysters, lobster, prawns and snow crab served chilled. Finally the a-la carte menu will offer an additional range of gourmet Asian creations.

Other dining experiences include a luxury seafood restaurant with chef’s table, a world-class international steak house where the beef will dry age on board, and a dedicated family pizzeria.

Meyer Turku and university team up in sustainability project

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 21 April 2016 21 April 2016

Meyer Turku Ltd, the Finnish cruise ship builder, and the University of Turku have launched a research project which aims to increase the transparency regarding responsibility and sustainability in shipbuilding.

“The purpose is to strengthen the competitiveness of the Finnish shipbuilding sector and clear the way for sustainability-related business innovations,” the shipbuilder said in a statement.

In addition to Meyer Turku and the University of Turku, the SUSTIS project (Sustainability Transparency in Shipbuilding Networks) involves some of the key companies in the shipbuilding network and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LTD.

The aim of this two-phased project is to create new ways for the Finnish shipbuilding industry to take a leading role in sustainable shipbuilding. Instead of focusing on the sustainability in ship’s operation, SUSTIS widens the scope to the whole process of ship’s lifecycle development . In addition to ship’s materials, SUSTIS targets also economical and social issues.

In essence, this project collects vast amount of sustainability information of materials and manufacturing processes from the supply chain. The idea is to explore the usability of sustainability arguments in shipbuilding and to generate new business based on the sustainability data. This all targets in securing the competitiveness of the Finnish shipbuilding industry.

"We are looking for ways to create sustainability-based added value for our customers. This will strengthen our competitiveness and creates more jobs within the industry," said Jaana Hänninen, Environmental Manager of Meyer Turku. The aim is to examine the whole lifecycle of the ship and to locate the most important factors from every phase to diminish the ship’s sustainability effect.

"Shipowners, consumers and environmental organisations all alike are more and more interested in the sustainability and environmental responsibility and effects to the environment of the cruise travel," Hänninen continued.

With the data gathered, the cruise ship builders can be compared according to the responsibility of their actions. The project goal is also to increase transparency by identifying the important sustainability indicators relevant to marine industry and by researching how this meticulously and systematically gathered information can be transferred between the actors in the shipbuilding value chain

"It is not only about the relevant information and its gathering from different sources but also presenting it for the customer in a comprehensible format. This kind of information can be for example the origins of the raw materials, level of recycling and the energy consumption of the process. Many of these things are already known by an individual company, but the information is not delivered to the end-customers because it is rarely requested," said Project Manager Kaapo Seppälä from the Technology Research Center of the University of Turku.

 The project, funded by the FinnishFunding Agency for Innovation (Tekes) is two-phased. The first phase will continue to the end of year 2016. It aims to identify the customers’ key indicators of responsibility in shipyards’ and subcontractors’ activity and to pilot the transferability of this kind of data. If the results are encouraging, the second phase of the project will commence. Thereafter there are more companies joining the project and the aim is to systematise the data gathering and to open responsibility data to an open platform.

SUSTIS (Sustainability Transparency in Shipbuilding Networks) project partners are Meyer Turku Oy, and Technology Research Center, Centre for Collaborative Research and Finland Futures Research Centre from the University of Turku,. Also participating are SSAB Europe Oy, Naval Interior Team Oy, Piikkiö Works Oy and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd.