OSK-ShipTech designs world’s largest ferry order to date

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 20 February 2018 20 February 2018

MSC Group and Onorato Armatori have signed a historical contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for the order of four luxurious RoPax ferries. Danish OSK-ShipTech is behind the concept design for the largest ferry order ever.

Danish naval architects OSK-ShipTech have drawn their way into history with the concept design for the four luxury ferries constituting the world’s largest ferry order to this day. A few days ago, the contract was signed at a ceremony in Beijing. MSC Group and Onorato Armatori are behind the joint commissioning of the four RoPax ferries to be built at Chinese shipyard Guangzhou Shipyard International.

It is the long-standing cooperation between both OSK, yard and owners, which results in this project.

“Our two largest clients are now doing business together, so to us, this is a dream-scenario, where we are appointed designers on the basis of earlier projects and long-term successful cooperation with all parties. This is such a significant project, and this order is a fantastic opportunity to bring our competencies, the yard’s strength and the owners’ joint pool of many years’ of experience into play,” says CCO of OSK Group, Anders Ørgård.

The RoPax-ferries will each have a capacity of 3,765 lane meters and 536 cabins with room for 2,500 passengers in total. The accommodation will have a modern, clean look and will be designed based on passenger needs and spaciousness. Technologically, the ferries will be LNG-ready and fitted with the latest technologies for energy optimisation.

Italian operator GNV under MSC Group will take two ferries, and the other two will be delivered to Italian operator Onorato Armatori. The contract includes an option for four additional ferries of the same type. In any case, this a record ferry order – and a quantum leap for the joint cooperation between GSI and OSK.

“Both in Danish standards, but on a global scale as well, this is in any possible way a significant order in the current RoPax market. The fact that OSK-ShipTech is on board a contract of this size is something we are very proud of and goes to show that we are now amongst the few designers globally who are relevant when it comes to the world’s largest design projects,” says Jacob Thygesen, CEO of OSK Group.

The first of the four ferries is scheduled for delivery to GNV in 2021.

Carnival Fascination resumes year-round service from San Juan after multi-million-dollar refurbishment

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 20 February 2018 20 February 2018

Carnival Fascination resumed its year-round schedule of 7-night southern Caribbean departures from San Juan this past Sunday, following an extensive multi-million-dollar dry dock that added a variety of popular food and beverage concepts.
On its San Juan-based program, Carnival Fascination departs every Sunday on week-long voyages visiting five tropical destinations: St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, each of which is home to world-class beaches, centuries-old historical sites, unique and exciting shoreside experiences and array of shopping and dining opportunities.

“We’re delighted that the Carnival Fascination has returned to year-round sailing from San Juan better than ever with a wide range of great new dining, beverage and retail options for our guests to enjoy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line who noted that prior to the dry dock the ship was chartered by FEMA to house relief workers in St. Croix.

The new spaces include:
– Guy’s Burger Joint: a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries enjoyed amidst a décor that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture.
– RedFrog Rum Bar: a poolside watering hole offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red.
– BlueIguana Cantina: a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as an elaborate toppings and salsa bar.
– BlueIguana Tequila Bar: a fun and festive outdoor bar offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool.
– Cherry on Top: The “sweetest spot on board,” Cherry on Top is the gateway to the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun-and-fanciful gifts, just-because novelties, colorful custom apparel and more.
– Alchemy Bar: a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” that’s the go-to spot for guests seeking a unique experience with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients or guests’ own custom-created cocktails.
– Bonsai Sushi Express: the success of the full-service Bonsai Sushi restaurants has spawned this casual, convenient yet equally tasty offshoot featuring a mouth-watering array of sushi, sashimi, rolls and more.

These complement Carnival Fascination’s popular onboard features like a luxurious 12,000-square-foot health and wellness center, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and an array of entertainment choices including the Punchliner Comedy Club, Playlist Productions shows, and Hasbro, The Game Show, with larger-than-life adaptations of the company’s iconic games.

The ship’s family-friendly options include the Seuss at Sea program, an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, along with fun, supervised activities for kids in three age groups – Camp Ocean (2-11), Circle “C” (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17) and a WaterWorks aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long Twister slide.

Meyer Werft floats out Norwegian Bliss

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 20 February 2018 20 February 2018

Norwegian Bliss, the third of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus class ship, emerged from the Meyer Werft building dock in Papenburg, Germany on Saturday, February 17, representing a major milestone in the vessel’s construction. The ship will remain in the shipyard for the final phase of construction, until its conveyance down the River Ems towards the North Sea, scheduled for mid-March. During this time, the first crewmembers will move into their staterooms on board, begin their training, and familiarize themselves with the ship - readying her for the first guests to arrive after delivery in 60 days, on April 19.

The construction of the ship began in October 2016 with the traditional steel cutting ceremony launching the 12th Norwegian Cruise Line ship to be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard. It is the third ship in the Breakaway Plus class, measuring 1,082 feet in length by 136 feet wide, with gross tonnage of 167,800 and accommodating approximately 4,000 guests. Part of the excitement of this float out will be the public debut of the ship’s signature hull artwork designed by world-renowned marine life artist and conservationist, Wyland. Best known for his marine life paintings, sculptures and grand scale murals, or “Whaling Walls,” Norwegian Bliss’ hull design is named “Cruising with the Whales” and features a stunning image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece of the design, representing the beauty of Alaska’s wildlife.

Norwegian Bliss will be the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for the ultimate Alaska cruise experience, including the 180-degree Observation Lounge where guests can enjoy Norwegian’s most expansive views at sea. She will also be the first Norwegian Cruise Line ship to make her debut in Seattle, with cruises beginning May 2018. Norwegian Bliss will offer weekly 7-night cruises to see America’s last frontier with ports-of-call including Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, along with scenic glacier cruising.

“Our partners at Meyer Werft have done an excellent job realizing our vision for a ship designed to experience Alaska and the Caribbean like never before,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. “We are counting down the days until her official debut in Seattle this summer, where guests will be able to race around the world’s largest two-level race track at sea against the backdrop of Alaska’s wild frontier, and enjoy other first-at-sea experiences.”

Following preview events in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles, Norwegian Bliss will sail into Seattle for her official christening on May 30, with summer cruises to Alaska beginning June 2. She will spend her summer seasons with 7-night cruises to Alaska, and fall seasons sailing to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. In winter of 2018 she will sail to the Caribbean from Miami, and in the 2019 fall/winter season she will cruise from New York City to Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Viking Line forecasts better 2018 after drop in 2017 profit 

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 19 February 2018 19 February 2018

Viking Line, the listed Finnish cruise ferry company, forecasts an increase in operating profit for the present year after a dip in 2017 on tough competition and higher operating expenses.

Group net profit narrowed to €5.3 million last year from €8.0 million in 2016, while revenues rose a fraction, to €522.7 million from €519.6 million in 2016. Operating profit contracted by €3.7 million to €10.0 million.

Revenues from passengers fell by 0.8% to €476.4 million and freight revenue fell by 1.1% to €43.8 million, reflecting tough competition in the services the company operates. Operating costs increased by 3.3% to €339.1 million, with bunker expenditure increasing by 18.3% to reach €46.7 million, the company aid in a statement.