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Almaco Group delivers provision stores and refrigeration machinery for Utopia of the Seas

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 06 June 2025 06 June 2025

Almaco Group has announced the delivery of a comprehensive project for Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Delivered in June 2024 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the project included the supply and installation of provision stores and refrigeration machinery. Almaco’s project size on the vacation brand’s ultimate short getaway consisted of approximately 3,000 m² of provision stores, including cold rooms, freezer rooms, and refrigerated stores.

The provision stores onboard Utopia of the Seas are a critical part of the vessel’s operations, ensuring the safe and efficient storage of food and beverages for guests and crew. Almaco supplied and installed extensive cold rooms, freezer rooms, and refrigerated stores, all designed to meet the highest quality and hygiene standards. As an area inspected by USPH (United States Public Health), delivering the provision stores with the expected quality level was a key focus. Furthermore, these spaces were required for the first sea trial to accommodate food storage for crew and technicians, a challenge that the Almaco team successfully met by completing all areas in time for the sea trial.

In addition to the provision stores, Almaco was responsible for the engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning of the refrigeration machinery. The scope included cooling units, air coolers, piping, control system and SCADA ensuring optimal operation of the refrigeration plant. The team’s expertise in delivering high-quality solutions played a vital role in the project’s success.

The strong cooperation between Almaco Group, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and Royal Caribbean was essential in achieving these great end results. Vincent Querard, Head of Projects Management, praised the teamwork, stating, “The fantastic end-result of this project reflects the dedication and cooperation of all parties involved. Completing all provision store areas before the sea trial was a significant achievement.”

Samuel Teyssier, Project Manager, added, “The successful delivery of the refrigeration machinery was a result of thorough planning and collaboration. We are proud of the outcome and the quality of our work. A thank you to everyone involved in making this a successful project.”

Foreship supports amplification of Allure of the Seas

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 03 June 2025 03 June 2025

Ship design and engineering company Foreship has been working with Royal Caribbean on the $100 million amplification of Allure of the Seas, culminating in the recently completed drydock phase.

Foreship’s multi-disciplinary team worked in close coordination with Royal Caribbean from the planning phase in late 2023 onwards, with personnel in the yard on project management duties until the new-look ship’s redelivery in April 2025.

In between, Foreship has been providing the naval architecture, risk assessment, basic design work, piping and cabling engineering services, documentation for class and contractor coordination that turn owner amplification ambitions into ship-shape solutions.

Tasks have included designing a new steel structure in the forward part of the ship to accommodate additional cabins, and structural design to support new water slides.

Foreship has also taken care of work involving the installation of Ultimate Abyss – a 10-storey dry slide at the aft of the ship that is already featured on other Oasis-class ships. With a 100ft drop between decks 16 and 6, the exhilarating ride required new pillars under Boardwalk on Deck 6 to take the additional load.

In less visible work, Foreship has taken responsibility for modifying the piping, electrical cabling, and other systems that Allure of the Seas needs to support new attractions, including whirlpools and fountains and a remodeled pool deck.

“We have been working with Royal Caribbean for over a decade across multiple major assignments, including their newbuilding and refurbishment work and we are delighted to add the amplification of Allure of the Seas to our Royal Caribbean projects,” said Daniel Grönroos, Senior Project Manager, Foreship. “Our job is to provide the planning, design, engineering, and project management services to help Royal Caribbean deliver phenomenal holidays.”

Valmet introduces its next-generation automation system, Valmet DNAe, for the marine industry

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 02 June 2025 02 June 2025

Valmet, a major supplier of ship automation, introduces the Valmet DNAe Integrated Automation System for the marine industry. Valmet DNAe is a fully web-based marine control system that integrates seamlessly with all onboard equipment, providing ship owners with a unified platform for efficient operations. It is the first web-based automation system to receive the ISASecure SSA Level 1 certification for its built-in cybersecurity approach.

“As the maritime industry evolves and ships become increasingly connected, our customers have a growing need to manage and analyze large volumes of data, taking cybersecurity into account. Therefore, in developing this system, we have focused on usability, performance, and cybersecurity, while ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable operations,” says John Weierud, Director, Marine Automation, Automation Systems, Valmet.

Designed to support the work of all automation user groups

Valmet DNAe is developed with a design philosophy that empowers people to perform and collaborate better. The system provides a common user interface for controls, analytics, configuration, and maintenance. Intuitive workflows and advanced analytics tools enable crew members to manage the system from engine control room to the bridge, with less effort, turning real-time and historical data into actionable insights.

A high-performing automation system advancing digitalization

Valmet DNAe has been engineered for demanding process control, emphasizing performance and availability. It features a scalable, redundant data platform, granting easy and controlled access to all data. The system architecture is cybersecure by design, with role-based access control, authentication, audit trail, and encryption mechanisms for proactive prevention of cyber threats. With smooth OT/IT (Operational Technology/Information Technology) connectivity through secure communication interfaces with external systems, Valmet DNAe establishes a robust foundation for advancing digitalization in the marine industry.

Step-by-step upgrade paths for a cost-efficient system evolution

Valmet DNAe offers step-by-step upgrade paths for a cost-efficient system evolution. The system shares its web-based user interface, analytics tools, and common hardware with the previous generation of Valmet DNA, ensuring compatibility and ease of transition for existing customers.

”The launch of Valmet DNAe in the marine industry marks a significant milestone in our journey to providing future-proof automation solutions. With this new system, we are well-positioned to expand our footprint in the global marine industry,” continues Weierud.

Valmet DNAe will be showcased at various maritime events throughout the year, starting with the Nor-Shipping marine exhibition in Oslo from June 2 to 6, 2025.

Deltamarin wins design contract for Finnlines’ new ‘Hansa Superstar’ vessels

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 27 May 2025 27 May 2025

Deltamarin has signed a contract with China Merchants Weihai Shipyard for the design and engineering of Finnlines’ new Hansa Superstar class ropax vessels. The signed contract includes the complete basic and detail design of three ropax vessels built for Finnlines and to be operated in the Baltic Sea.

The contract continues the successful collaboration between Deltamarin, Finnlines and Weihai shipyard, following the completion of the concept and contract design for the vessels earlier this year.

The basic design project begins at Deltamarin immediately, with the majority of the work scheduled to be completed by early 2026.

The new design is an evolution of the already state-of-the-art Superstar-class vessels, but with enhanced quality of transport for both rolling cargo and passengers in the Baltic Sea. The new design has been adapted for the Finland-Germany route and will be better suited for longer crossings, feature new cabin categories and provide restaurant options tailored to different passenger preferences, with a strong focus on the overall onboard experience.

These vessels will combine high transport capacity, innovative design, and superior onboard comfort. Key features include multifuel engines, optimized hull and propeller designs, shore power connection, and energy-efficient onboard power management systems for both at sea and in port – all contributing to over a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes.

Each 240-metre vessel will offer 5,100 lane meters of cargo space for rolling freight, capacity for 90 cars, and accommodation for up to 1,100 passengers across 320 cabins. Designed with sustainability in mind, all vessels will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, supporting the goal of achieving net zero emissions. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029.

“Together with Deltamarin, we have developed Superstar-class vessels, setting a completely new standard for freight and passenger traffic in the Baltic Sea. With our new investment programme, we are proud to continue this shared journey. Our longstanding and successful partnership with Deltamarin and China Merchants Weihai Shipyard have been instrumental in driving innovation and strengthening efficient maritime transport,” said Juha Ahia, Manager of Newbuilding & Projects at Finnlines.

“The signed contract marks the continuation of a longstanding partnership between Deltamarin and Weihai Shipyard. Our partnership has continually delivered reliable, efficient and environmentally conscious vessels that meet the expectations of both the vessel owner and regulators. This order demonstrates the trust our clients place in our ability to design and deliver state-of-the-art ropax vessels. With this latest order, the total number of ropaxes designed by Deltamarin and built by Weihai Shipyard reaches an impressive 22 ships during the last 10 years,” said Janne Uotila, Managing Director of Deltamarin.

Ou Shubo, Deputy General Manager at Weihai Shipyard, continues: “The expertise and support Deltamarin provides have always been invaluable, and we look forward to delivering these next-generation vessels to Finnlines, which will play a key role in their sustainable fleet expansion.”

The new contract reinforces the track record of delivering efficient, innovative ropax vessels in the market and highlights the proven performance of the Superstar-class design – serving as both the inspiration and foundation for the new Hansa Superstar class.