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BC Ferries selects CMI Weihai to construct four new ferries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 June 2025 11 June 2025

BC Ferries has selected China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyards (CMI Weihai) to build four New Major Vessels (NMVs) following a rigorous global procurement process that included a public Request for Proposals, comprehensive bid evaluations, international site visits, and independent third-party reference checks.

“CMI Weihai is a global leader in passenger ferry construction, and shipbuilding more broadly,” said Nicolas Jimenez, CEO of BC Ferries. “It was the clear choice based on the overall strength of its bid, including its technical capabilities, high-quality and safety standards, ferry-building experience, proven ability to deliver safe, reliable vessels on dependable timelines, and the overall cost and value it delivers for our customers – all essential as we continue to experience growing demand and the urgent need to renew our aging fleet.”

CMI Weihai has a strong track record of building passenger and vehicle vessels for large international operators including Stena RoRo (Sweden) and Grimaldi Lines (Italy). Through its long-term partnership with Stena RoRo, CMI Weihai has built vessels for Canada’s Marine Atlantic ferry company and other major ferry operators such as Corsica Linea and Brittany Ferries (France). CMI Weihai’s work on a vessel for Marine Atlantic gives the shipyard direct experience meeting Transport Canada regulatory requirements.

“BC Ferries will have our own professional team of shipbuilding experts onsite at the shipyard throughout construction to provide ongoing oversight and quality assurance,” said Ed Hooper, BC Ferries’ Head of Fleet Renewal. “Our team inspected the CMI Weihai shipyard as part of the selection process, and the scale and scope of the operations was impressive. Safety is our highest value, and our in-person evaluations focused on safety management, quality systems, engineering capability, materials storage and handling, production facilities, environmental protection, and even the dedicated space for our on-site team, among other factors. We are confident that CMI Weihai will be able to meet our high expectations for safety and quality, while delivering tremendous value for our customers and on-time delivery of the four vessels.”

In their first 10 years of service, BC Ferries anticipates investing over $230 million locally on refits and scheduled maintenance for the four currently approved NMVs, and more than $1 billion over their expected 45-year lifespans. This doesn’t include ongoing maintenance and refits for the rest of the fleet, which will continue to generate economic benefits for BC’s shipbuilding and maritime sectors. In addition to this reinvestment, the NMVs are expected to generate approximately 17,200 job-years of employment, $1.2 billion in wages, and contribute $2.2 billion to B.C.’s GDP over their service lifetime.

The NMVs will replace four aging ships nearing the end of their service lives, each increasingly prone to mechanical issues and service disruptions. The NMVs are a cornerstone of BC Ferries’ long-term fleet renewal strategy, addressing the urgent need to modernize aging vessels and infrastructure, accommodate expected demand growth, and enhance overall system resilience. Since 2016, BC Ferries has added 10 new vessels to its fleet, including four mid-size Salish Class vessels and six smaller Island Class ships. With four more Island Class vessels arriving in 2026, and all four NMVs expected to be in service between 2029-2031, BC Ferries remains on track to introduce 18 new vessels in just 15 years.

Built with diesel-battery hybrid propulsion systems and designed with the capability to operate on full electric power in future, the NMVs are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and lower underwater radiated noise to better protect marine life. With greater capacity than the vessels they replace, the NMVs will offer more space for vehicles and passengers and upgraded amenities, supporting a more reliable and comfortable travel experience.

While disclosing the total construction cost could compromise BC Ferries’ ability to secure the best value on future vessel procurements, the fixed-price contract to build these NMVs is within the approval limits provided by the BC Ferries Commissioner.

Meyer Turku invests in sustainable shipbuilding with energy efficient heating

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 June 2025 10 June 2025

Meyer Turku continues to push the boundaries of sustainable shipbuilding with a major step: the adoption of central heating for ships under construction. Traditionally, oil-burning stoves have been used for heating during colder months, but with the introduction of a water-based central heating system, significant reductions in emissions and costs have been achieved.

The transition to central heating was first explored in late 2023, leading to infrastructure upgrades that enabled the deployment of a movable water-based heating system aboard vessels. Since its implementation in late autumn 2024, this system has replaced approximately 428 cubic meters of oil, cutting CO2 emissions by around 1,042 tons by early March 2025. Beyond environmental benefits, this shift also brings substantial cost savings due to the higher efficiency and lower expense of district heating compared to oil-based solutions. Looking ahead, Meyer Turku aims to expand this system throughout ships under construction, with a long-term goal of eliminating oil-based heating entirely.

“The best kind of energy is the one that we never use. In our sustainability works we want to focus on concrete actions, and I believe that this is a great example of that”, says Meyer Turku Head of ESG Hanna Haaksi

Meyer Turku is also enhancing overall energy efficiency at the shipyard through several key initiatives:

– Compressed Air Optimization: The implementation of the Sigma Air Manager (SAM) system in autumn 2023 has reduced unnecessary compressor idling, balanced loads, and optimized pressure levels, improving efficiency and reducing electricity consumption by approximately 1,500 MWh annually.
– LED and Smart Lighting Solutions: Between 2018 and 2025, upgrades including LED lights and intelligent DALI lighting systems have improved illumination quality, enhanced safety, and reduced energy use by 2,229 MWh annually.
– Production Facility Climate Control: Standardizing and optimizing heating across four production buildings has stabilized temperature fluctuations and increased efficiency, saving 1,300 MWh annually.
– Ventilation System Upgrades: Adjustments to operating schedules and airflow levels based on production activity have led to significant energy savings of 3,885 MWh annually across six ventilation systems.
– Heat Recovery Enhancements: Improvements in liquid and air heat recovery systems, including smart controls that minimize energy waste, have resulted in further annual savings of 2,820 MWh.

Looking to the future, Meyer Turku is committed to continuous improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability. With advancing technology, the shipyard is embracing innovative solutions to further optimize energy use, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable maritime industry practices. By integrating energy efficiency into everyday operations, Meyer Turku is not just adapting to change but actively driving it and setting new standards for sustainability in shipbuilding.

Liberty to succeed Fain as Chair of Royal Caribbean Board of Directors

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 June 2025 06 June 2025

Royal Caribbean Group today announced that Richard Fain, Chair of the Board of Directors since 1988 and a visionary leader whose contributions helped shape the modern cruise industry, will be stepping down from his role as Chairman in Q4 2025. Fain will remain as a Director on the Board. Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO since January 3, 2022, was elected by the Board of Directors to succeed Fain as Chairman and CEO and will assume the role in Q4 2025.

Additionally, John Brock, a member of the Board of Directors since 2014 and current Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has assumed the role of Independent Lead Director.

"Richard's leadership has been nothing short of transformative. Under his leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group has become the leading vacation company – with industry leading brands, ships, destinations and people," said Liberty. "I am honored and humbled to have been elected as Chairman and CEO and I look forward to continuing to create and deliver the ultimate vacation experience for our guests and delivering elevated long-term value for our shareholders. Fortunately, the company and I will continue to benefit from Richard's experience and mentorship in his continued role as a Director on our Board."

"It is time to hand the wheel to the next generation of exceptional talent at RCG, and I am very confident that under Jason's strong leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group will accelerate to even greater heights in the years ahead," noted Richard Fain.

"Looking ahead, John Brock brings invaluable experience from his time as Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises and CEO of InBev, and strong integrity that will support the company's ongoing growth and governance. I look forward to working with him in his new role, along with the rest of the Board, as we execute on our bold ambitions," Liberty added.

Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO

Mitsui Ocean Cruises to retire Nippon Maru in May 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 June 2025 06 June 2025

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has announced the upcoming retirement of the cruise line’s 422-guest Nippon Maru. The beloved cruise ship will officially retire from the fleet on May 10, 2026, in Yokohama.

Nippon Maru, featuring a classic cruise ship design with elegant lines and a distinctive red funnel, first entered service in 1990. The ship has since traveled 2,877,642 nautical miles – approximately 133 times around the earth – sailing over 2,000 cruises, hosting more than 600,000 guests, and visiting over 400 ports in and out of Japan.

“With full hearts and deep gratitude, we bid a bittersweet farewell to Nippon Maru, which has served us well for over 35 years,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises. “Though a difficult decision, it is time to retire her for operational and economic reasons. We're excited to carry on her legacy of fine hospitality aboard our new luxury ships, Mitsui Ocean Fuji and our recently announced second ship, where many of our cherished crew will continue to serve.”

Nippon Maru through the years – a pioneer serving Japanese market

Nippon Maru has sailed domestic and international cruises with a focus on cultural enrichment, often visiting smaller ports in Japan not accessible to larger cruise ships. The ship underwent major refurbishments in 2010 and 2020, upgrading suites and public areas for a more luxurious experience.

With tremendous support from local governments, tourist associations and port officials, Nippon Maru has carried happy guests across the seas, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Notable highlights include:
– Many longer voyages: a 62-day Hawaii, Caribbean and Alaska cruise in 1995, and a 48-day Mauritius Precious Cruise – Paradise FUNATABI Around the Indian Ocean in 2022.
– Nine World Cruises.
– Offered various theme cruises, including “Platinum Entertainment Cruise,” and “Oasis Nippon Maru Cruise,” uniquely created especially for women.
– Created the now standard “Fly & Cruise Hokkaido,” attracting a wider range of guests.
– The ship was utilized for many years by the Cabinet for the “Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth, and “Ship for World Youth” projects recognized by youth all over the world.
– The cuisine incorporates local ingredients from ports of call and seasonal dishes, ensuring a fresh and regionally inspired dining experience, meticulously presented. The chef’s take on the traditional Japanese techniques, also incorporates many of the delicacies that became favorites, like the ship’s famous roast beef.

The legacy of Nippon Maru and her contribution to the Japanese cruise industry will be honored during her final season with several cruises and events, featuring special commemorative gifts and menus.

Final Nippon Maru itineraries and legacy events for the farewell season sailing February – May 2026, will be announced soon.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises will continue to deliver the distinct hospitality that only a Japanese cruise company can offer onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji, and a second recently acquired ship that will be rebranded for Mitsui Ocean Cruises and launch in late 2026.

MSC Cruises to sail year-round in the Southern Caribbean

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 June 2025 05 June 2025

MSC Cruises has announced the addition of MSC Opera sailing year-round in the South Caribbean for the Winter 26/27 and Summer 2027 seasons, offering new Southern Caribbean cruises that are now open for sale.

The addition marks the first time the line has deployed a ship in the South Caribbean during the summer season, as well as its first time offering two ships during a winter season, providing guests with even more options to discover the stunning region’s captivating destinations.

Whether guests are seeking to escape to sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters during the summer or the winter, MSC Cruises’ new itineraries offer the ideal getaway for any season.

MSC Opera will offer a range of 7-night itineraries and the option for guests to extend their cruise to a 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise to a multitude of stunning Southern Caribbean destinations including the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antiqua and Barbuda, Netherlands Antilles and more.

The ship will homeport in La Romana, Dominican Republic, a new regular destination for MSC Cruises, with the first cruise departing on November 16, 2026. Starting April 2027, the ship will also offer a second embarkation port – Fort de France. All of MSC Cruises’ southern Caribbean cruises are now available to book.