Fred. Olsen says newbuilding contract not imminent

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 March 2017 07 March 2017

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lies, the UK based destination focused operator of four ships, said while it looks at ways to develop its business, talk about a newbuilding contract in the near future is premature

“We are always considering our options to develop the business, but talk of a new-build in the near future is premature. We keep an open mind, but would only do it when we felt that the time was right for the business,” said Rachael Jackson, Public Relations Manager at the Ipswich based company.

A media report a couple of weeks earlier suggested that the company, which is part of the Oslo based listed Bonheur ASA group, would be looking at newbuildings.

“We are currently concentrating our efforts on refining the customer experience to ensure that our guests' enjoyment is maximized,” Jackson concluded.

Blohm + Voss to cut third of its workforce – report

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 01 March 2017 01 March 2017

Blohm + Voss, the Hamburg based shipbuilder and ship repairer, plans to cut 300 positions, about one third of its workforce, the Norddeutsche Rundfunk (NDR) broadcasting company reports on its website.

The company, whose floating docks are part of the cityscape of Hamburg on the River Elbe, was recently sold by British investors to the privately owned Luerssen shipbuilding group. Blohm + Voss has become a major cruise ship refurbishment yard in recent years. It also builds surface combatants to the German navy.

The new owner needs to restructure the business of Blohm + Voss, which also has built several mega yachts, due to pressure from an overcapacity that is plaguing the shipbuilding industry world wide.

“Blohm + Voss is in a critical condition. In order to turn the shipyard viable and profitable in the long term, all measures of adjustment (of its operations to market conditions) will be necessary in the coming months,” NDR cited a statement it had received from Luerssen.

“Naturally I am shocked. It concerns a third of us,” said a shipyard worker interviewed by NDR in a report posted online.

TUI Cruises to split senior marketing job between two persons

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 01 March 2017 01 March 2017

TUI Cruises, the Hamburg based premium market segment cruise line, has decided to split its senior marketing role and appoint two persons to the posts.

Mike Schwanke, who headed the marketing activities of the company up to the new year, will take up a new position outside TUI Cruises from 1 May. On that date, Udo Lutz will assume responsibilities of Director Sales, responsible for all the channel through which the company distributes its products.

Andrea Kruse will take up the responsibility for reservations, front and back office activities, guest feedback plus training and quality, also from 1 may, TUI Cruises said in a statement.

Windstar appoints Paul Barrett as Vice President of Technical Operations

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 21 February 2017 21 February 2017

Windstar Cruises announces the appointment of Paul Barrett to Vice President of Technical Operations beginning immediately. Barrett is responsible for the small ship line’s Technical Operations Department overseeing all related aspects with regard to safety and regulatory compliance, inventory control and purchasing, shipyard projects and refits. Barrett also oversees the Engine Department, to ensure timely, diligent and efficient maintenance and safe operation, with a minimum environmental impact as described in the company’s safety management system (SMS), and related policies, procedures, and practices.

“We are continuing to build incredible bench strength of industry leading talent in our efforts to be the world's best small ship cruise line,” said President John Delaney. “We are holding ourselves to a higher standard of operational excellence in everything that we do, which is why we are thrilled to have a consummate professional like Paul join Windstar’s team.”

Barrett arrives to Windstar with three-plus decades of marine engineering and technical operations experience, having most recently worked for the Holland America Group. Prior to that Barrett was Vice President of Technical Operations at Princess Cruises for seven years having progressed through various management positions and held oversight for the line’s 18 vessels deployed worldwide. Barrett began his maritime career as an Engineer Officer aboard P&O Cruises in 1984.

Barrett completed an Executive Management Leadership Program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from California Coast University. Barrett is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists and Technologists in the U.K. and a member of the U.S.A. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. A native of England, Barrett resides in Seattle and joins the 130-plus corporate team at Windstar’s headquarters in downtown Seattle.