Fincantieri has been awarded the multi-million Euro refit and refurbishment project of the newest ship acquired by Saga Cruising, the 37,301-ton Bleu de France. The work planned for this ship will start during November 2011 at the Fincantieri Palermo yard and shall include the refurbishing of all public areas and spaces, the addition of a significant number of new passenger cabins, the complete refurbishment of the existing cabins and a new balcony deck.
Other jobs that the yard shall be responsible for during the ships stay at Palermo will include the overhauling and repair work on main machinery and equipment along with some steel and pipework replacement. The ship will be dry-docked for a period of the project during which time the items involving the external hull and all underwater work, such as painting, tailshaft, rudder and propellers maintenance will be undertaken. A very important job shall be the application of the Saga livery which will proudly define the ownership and new identity of the ship.
On completion of the work, expected in February 2012, the ship will be renamed the Saga Sapphire and then shall set sail for the inaugural cruise from Southampton to the Mediterranean, which is due to start on March 26 of next year.
Commenting on the contract, Saga Cruising CEO, Robin Shaw said: "The multi-million pound refit will ensure that Saga Sapphire is magnificent throughout, adding a theme of elegant and eclectic nostalgia to our classic cruising experience. Saga Sapphire will be the largest Saga ship to date, but will retain the intimate atmosphere and the quality of service that our passengers have come to expect. We are extremely pleased to have secured Fincantieri's expertise and resources and are looking forward to working together".
Giorgio Rizzo, Fincantieri SVP Shiprepair &Conversion, added: We are very pleased to have been trusted by Saga Cruising to carry out this major refurbishment project on their new ship the Saga Sapphire. We are looking forward to working closely with the SAGA team to ensure a successful outcome. Our expertise and capabilities in this specialist sector shall ensure that when the Sapphire leaves our yard, she will deserve her status as flagship of the SAGA fleet.
The award of the Bleu the France refurbishment project to Fincantieri has continued to ascertain the position of the Palermo shipyard as the leading centre for cruise ship repair and refurbishment in the central Mediterranean region. In addition to the prestigious project announced today, over the next few months Palermo shipyard will be committed on a further five major repair and conversion projects on cruise ships.