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Siem Industries take over German shipyard Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 September 2014 26 September 2014

The German Shipyard Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) has a new owner: The Norwegian controlled Siem Industries will take over command of the shipyard, including all its employees.

Peter Sierk and Frank Bywater, the two Managing Directors of FSG, welcome these recent developments. To them it is a necessary and just step in the right direction. "We are very glad about the new perspectives that open up, as a consequence of this decision. We welcome Siem Industries on board: This time not as a client, but as the new and rightful owner of the FSG. This means a great chance for all of us – the shipyard and its employees."

With the take-over, Sierk and Bywater expect the FSG to get further established and to hold a stronger position on the offshore-market: "Siem Industries is a successful, globally expanding and financially strong family-owned enterprise. It allows us – the Flensburger Shipyard – to continue our successful developments in the global offshore-market."

Siem Industries is a globally operating corporation with diversified industrial interests, which can be mainly found in five industrial areas: oil and gas services industry, ocean transport of refrigerated cargoes and automobiles, potash-mining, finance and Swedish industries. The Siem Group of companies (including subsidiaries and affiliates) operates 145 vessels and owns a controlling interest in one of the most successful Offshore Shipping Companies on a global scale (Siem Offshore) and the oil service company SubSea 7.

Particularly these offshore activities have proven valuable, as demonstrated by its increasing growth.

The transaction is subject to certain conditions, and is expected to close within the end of October. The proper foundation for the sustainable development and positive outlook for FSG was built, when Siem Offshore ordered two well-intervention-vessels at FSG, in February this year. Lastly, the international network of the new owner, speak for the positive prospects coming along with this well thought-through and deliberate decision.

In the past 143 years, FSG sold, constructed and built more than 760 vessels. Only in the last 14 years, they became the global market leader in building custommade roro-vessels. This position was further enforced with their latest order, when FSG was tasked to build the worldwide first Ro-Ro-Ferry driven by LNG, for the Australian SeaRoad shipping company.

Now, FSG concentrates since three years on the seminal offshore-market and was able to win international clients for building heavy lift vessels, seismic vessels and well intervention vessels.

To date the corporation has the following order-book: one RoPax Ferry for CMAL (Scotland), a second seismic vessel for WesternGeco (England), two offshore-well-intervention-vessels for Siem Offshore (Norway) as well as an innovative LNG based roro ferry for SeaRoad (Australia). With these upcoming projects, FSG will be operating at full capacity until the 3rd quarter of 2016.

Carnival Cruise Lines provides pre-game Rascal Flatts performance for Dallas Cowboys fans on October 19

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 September 2014 24 September 2014

Carnival Cruise Lines, the Official Cruise Line of the Dallas Cowboys, is turning up the music as part of its multi-year partnership with “America’s Team.” Texas’ largest cruise operator announced today that it will bring country music superstars Rascal Flatts to AT&T Stadium for a special pre-game Carnival LIVE concert for Cowboys fans attending the October 19 game against archrival New York Giants.

Rascal Flatts is the most-awarded country group of the past decade with 22.5 million albums sold and 15 number-one singles.

Carnival also announced that Rascal Flatts, one of the hottest selling acts on tour, will be among multiple artists who will be entertaining guests as part of the Carnival LIVE Concert Series in 2015 (next year’s concert dates will go on sale in October).

A first-of-its-kind in the cruise industry, Carnival LIVE debuted earlier this year and offers Carnival guests the opportunity to enjoy an intimate on-board performance by a diverse roster of popular music artists while ships are docked at select ports of call. Artists performing as part of the inaugural 2014 lineup include Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Jewel, Styx, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, Daughtry and more. (Learn more at www.carnival.com/CarnivalLive).

“As huge football fans, we can’t wait to be part of Carnival Cruise Lines’ celebration to help get Dallas Cowboys fans excited for the big game,” said Gary LeVox, Rascal Flatts’ frontman. “We’re also delighted to be part of next year’s Carnival LIVE concert series and connecting with our fans aboard their awesome ships,” he added.

“We are thrilled to have Rascal Flatts join all of the great gameday fun Carnival has planned for Dallas Cowboys fans at AT&T Stadium on October 19 and throughout the season,” said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer for Carnival Cruise Lines. “We also look forward to welcoming Jay, Joe Don and Gary on board our ‘Fun Ships’ in 2015 as we extend the fan-favorite Carnival LIVE Concert Series into its second year of great shows.”

Carnival recently announced its major sponsorship of the Dallas Cowboys and is adding fun and memorable fan experiences to Dallas Cowboys home games throughout the season. In addition to the Rascal Flatts performance, at each game at AT&T Stadium, Carnival’s “Fun Crew” is touring the lots on branded golf carts and offering exciting prizes to fans, including the chance to win one of many cruise vacation giveaways.

“We’re proud to bring Carnival Cruise Lines’ signature brand of fun to our fans and our games with great entertainment,” said Jerry Jones Jr., executive vice president and chief sales & marketing officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “The Rascal Flatts concert continues a terrific variety of season-long activities that are taking the Dallas Cowboys gameday experience to the next level.”

Carnival, Texas’ number one cruise operator, will deploy a third year-round ship in Galveston, Carnival Freedom, in February 2015. Together with Carnival Triumph and Carnival Magic, the line will carry more than 600,000 passengers annually from Texas – more than any other cruise line.

Costa Cruises' Costa Diadema to feature new production shows and entertainment venues

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 September 2014 24 September 2014

Costa Cruises' Costa Diadema is set to debut in the Mediterranean this fall, bringing with it an exciting array of entertainment options. New shows, new venues and high-tech games, designed specifically for the Italian cruise line's new flagship, will engage guests of all ages.

When the curtain rises in the ship's stunning three-level Emerald Theater, guests will enjoy four new productions scripted by the line's entertainment experts. Italian culture will be on display in "Flavors of Italy," a musical performance that combines art, opera, cinema and fashion, and features the country's finest traditions including the Carnival of Venice and the Sanremo Music Festival.

"Feel the Beat," will feature sounds from hip hop, jazz, Brazilian samba, the Viennese waltz, Irish dancing and tap. A new circus act will give guests the opportunity to participate on stage, and the "Kings and Queens of Pop & Rock" musical production will feature tributes to the genre's beloved artists including Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Queen.

The classic rock theme continues at the new Country Rock Club bar and lounge, which will feature tribute concerts, country line dancing and a spacious dance floor.

Costa Diadema's Star Laser area -- an innovative and high-tech space with a high-quality lighting and sound system -- is the perfect venue for karaoke and DJ parties, birthday celebrations and private events. The area also features a Laser Maze where guests can test their skill as they try to complete the course without touching any laser beams.

The 132,500 gross ton, 3,724-guest Costa Diadema will be christened at a Nov. 7 ceremony in Genoa, Italy. The ship's monthlong debut will include a preview cruise from Trieste, Italy, Nov. 1, and a trio of seven-night inaugural cruises Nov. 8, 15 and 22. Beginning Nov. 29 and for the rest of the 2014-15 winter season and through summer 2015, Costa Diadema will depart Savona, Italy, on seven-night western Mediterranean cruises calling weekly at Marseille, France; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Naples and La Spezia, Italy.

Thomson Cruises invests in Thomson Dream, Celebration

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 September 2014 24 September 2014

Thomson Cruises yesterday announced a significant investment in Thomson Dream and Thomson Celebration as part of the cruise line’s modernisation strategy. Upgrades will include public areas such as sun decks and lounges, and the on-board dining experience will be enhanced with the introduction of a brand new a la carte restaurant on each ship.

The news follows an earlier investment in the fleet in 2012 which saw all cabins on Thomson Dream and Celebration, together with some public areas, refurbished with clean-cut contemporary designs.

Cruise lovers sailing on Thomson Dream and Thomson Celebration will enjoy a chic new sunbathing area, available to all guests.

The on-board food and beverage offering will be enhanced, with the introduction of a new Asian-themed a la carte restaurant ‘Kora La’, offering delicious Indian and Chinese cuisine on both ships. Customers will also enjoy a new food offering and décor at ‘Terrace Grill’ on the Thomson Dream. A new look is also planned for the former ‘Argo Lounge’ and ‘Oceans Bar’ on-board the Dream as they reopen as ‘The Explorers' Lounge & The Coffee Port’ and ‘Tides Bar’.

Helen Caron, Managing Director of Thomson Cruises, says: “Listening to our customers is at the heart of all our planning, which is why we are investing further in both Thomson Dream and Celebration to give passengers an even better experience on-board. We are confident customers will love the enhanced dining experience in the a la carte restaurants and the overall new look of both ships.”

Vigor Alaska to build Alaska's two day ferries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 September 2014 23 September 2014

Alaska Governor, Sean Parnell, has announced the selection of Vigor Alaska to build the state’s two newest day ferries. The two ferries, owned and operated by Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), will be built by Alaskans for Alaska to serve citizens along the Lynn Canal route between Juneau, Haines and Skagway.

“This project represents far more than a contract,” said Adam Beck, President of Vigor Alaska. “It is a dramatic step forward in realizing the shared goal of the people of Alaska, its elected officials and the shipyard to keep taxpayer dollars in the state and support family-wage jobs. The Vigor Alaska team represents the best shipbuilders in the state with the expertise to build complex vessels and the dedication to do it to the highest quality standards.”

The two day ferries will cost $101 million to construct, which is a reduction in the original price. Because of the importance of keeping Alaskan dollars in the state, Vigor Alaska made significant cuts to the initial estimates for the project and, in fact, delivered a price that was below the independent government price estimate.

Strengthening Alaska’s maritime sector has been a significant focus for the state. In the last decade, investments through AIDEA have transformed the Ketchikan shipyard into a state-of-the-art, world-class shipbuilding facility. “Here we are today to launch this shipyard to a new level, a new level of good jobs, a new level of growth for Ketchikan businesses that are going to supply the shipyard and its workers,” said Governor Parnell. “Today we effectively put Ketchikan and this shipyard on the map as a major maritime industry competitor.”

The Ketchikan yard features a 130,000 square foot ship production facility designed from the ground up to build ships upwards of 500 feet in length. It includes an adjacent five story production center to minimize material flow and maximize efficiency.

“I’ve lived in Ketchikan all my life,” said shipyard worker Norm Skan. “It’s such an honor to be building the first ever ferry built in the state for AMHS. We’re going to knock it out of the park.”

Construction of both vessels is scheduled to begin in October 2014 and will take approximately four years to complete. The design and estimating process was a true collaboration between Vigor Alaska, Alaska Department of Transportation and, Alaska Marine Highway System and Elliot Bay Design Group. Vigor CEO Frank Foti captured today’s excitement in his remarks “It’s fitting and downright awesome that the Vigor Alaska’s workers will be stamping ‘MADE IN ALASKA’ on new ferry construction.”