More News

Meyer Floating Solutions unveils innovative floating cruise terminals for sustainable port expansion

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 September 2023 05 September 2023

Meyer Floating Solutions, a pioneering entity within the globally renowned Meyer Group, has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in the cruise industry: the world's first floating cruise terminals. These revolutionary terminals offer an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient solution for cruise ports worldwide. With a portfolio encompassing various designs and adaptable modules, Meyer Floating Solutions is setting a new standard for port infrastructure.

As an integral part of the Meyer Group, which boasts three leading cruise shipyards, Meyer Floating Solutions has reimagined port development with a focus on flexibility and sustainability. This novel approach addresses the needs of ports lacking significant infrastructure while simultaneously providing the versatility to expand or relocate terminals as needed. Kaj Casén, CEO of Meyer Floating Solutions, underscores the benefits: "Our floating cruise terminals offer a dynamic solution for ports seeking seamless expansion options, ensuring the safety and confidence of both public and private investors." The floating solution offered by Meyer does not involve reinventing the wheel; rather, it combines the best practices and approaches from various industries, leveraging existing proven technologies. Floating assets up to full terminal size can be manufactured in a factory-like environment (e.g., shipyard), minimizing local site works such as land reclamation while maintaining crucial safety and operability aspects through fixed mooring arrangements such as mooring dolphins in the arrangement.

Meyer Floating Solutions boasts a diverse array of terminal designs that can be seamlessly integrated with complementary modules, including hotels, parking facilities, energy supply centers, and shopping complexes, all produced under the Meyer umbrella. From streamlined pier systems that minimize disruption to both land infrastructure and the natural environment, to complex terminals equipped with up to three piers accommodating multiple ships simultaneously, the possibilities are vast. The triad of pier options – ranging from 205 to 320 meters in length – has been meticulously designed to maximize utility within a footprint of 410 meters in length and 265 meters in width. "Our terminals are deliberately engineered to be modular, empowering operators to adeptly meet escalating demand and enhance their facilities with minimal on-site complexity," Casén adds.

Each module is meticulously crafted within the Meyer Group's state-of-the-art shipyards, utilizing an environmentally conscious and controlled environment that preserves precious resources.

Norwegian Cruise Line launches inaugural voyage from Maryland's Port of Baltimore

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 September 2023 02 September 2023

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore yesterday welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line to Maryland to begin a fall and winter sailing schedule. For the first time in the company’s history, Norwegian will have two ships homeporting from Maryland: Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun. The ships will offer cruises from Baltimore to Canada and New England, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

"Norwegian is one of the top cruise lines in the world, and they recognize that Maryland’s Port of Baltimore is an amazing partner, offering convenient access and outstanding service," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. "The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line heightens the impact of cruising as an economic engine for our state. The industry already generates nearly 400 jobs and $63 million in annual local business revenues."

Norwegian Sky embarked yesterday on a 10-day Canada and New England cruise, with visits to Martha’s Vineyard; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Saguenay, Quebec; and Quebec City. On September 21, Norwegian Sky will sail on an 11-day Canada and New England voyage. In addition, Norwegian Sun will offer warm weather escapes with a five-day Bermuda cruise November 22 and three, 12-day voyages to the Caribbean on November 27, December 9 and December 21. Norwegian Sky also will return to the Port of Baltimore in September 2024.

The Port of Baltimore has offered year-round cruising since 2009. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, the Port averaged more than 200,000 passengers annually. Following a cruise industry-wide pause during the pandemic, Baltimore’s passenger counts have strongly rebounded, with its ships currently sailing at full capacity. Baltimore’s cruise terminal is located right off Interstate 95 and offers plenty of onsite parking.

"Today marks a history-making moment for Norwegian Cruise Line, as we sail from the vibrant city of Baltimore for the first time," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Our voyages from the Port of Baltimore offer guests the best that cruising on the East Coast has to offer, with a convenient homeport option that allows them to experience both the breathtaking fall foliage of Canada and New England and warm weather winter escapes in Bermuda and the Caribbean. As we continue to grow our fleet of now 19 ships, we actively look for new opportunities and communities to introduce the Norwegian Cruise Line experience. This fall, we’ll also celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Military Appreciation program, where we honor active and retired service members with exclusive offers and onboard experiences. Given the strong military community in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, we look forward to having these service members participate in our program and join us at sea soon."

More than 40 million people are within a six-hour drive of Baltimore, and two-thirds of the nation’s population are within an overnight drive of Baltimore.

"We’re very happy to have Norwegian, one of the top cruise lines in the world, sailing from the Port of Baltimore," said Maryland Port Administration - Port of Baltimore Interim Acting Executive Director Brian Miller. "Our cruise terminal’s unique location allows for easy access for cruise passengers from many Eastern and Midwestern states. Our local market is also one of the wealthiest in the nation. These are significant reasons why we’ve been successful as a cruise port."

The Port of Baltimore generates about 15,300 direct jobs, with nearly 140,000 jobs overall linked to Port activities. The Port is first among the nation’s ports for autos and light truck volume, roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery and imported gypsum. The Port is responsible for nearly $3.3 billion in personal wages and salaries, $2.6 billion in business revenue and $395 million in state and local tax revenue annually.

Hawai'i Tourism Authority welcomes the responsible return of Norwegian Cruise Line to Maui

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 September 2023 02 September 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its return to Kahului, Maui, with the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

NCL’s Pride of America, which has an 18-year history of cruising the Hawaiian Islands year-round, will recommence its weekly overnight calls to Kahului beginning Sept. 3, 2023. Earlier this month, the cruise line paused its calls to Maui, to avoid stressing local resources due to the devastating wildfires in Lāhainā on the island’s west side.

"We have a strong connection with the people and islands of Hawai‘i and long history of bringing guests from all over the world year-round to this paradise in the Pacific," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "When we heard of the tragic wildfires, we were quick to mobilize our network to support local recovery efforts in Maui. We temporarily adjusted our itineraries to avoid stressing the destination further, we donated $50,000 to Maui United Way, and together alongside our partners have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing and mattresses. We look forward to returning to this incredibly special destination soon with the guidance and support of the local community, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and encouragement Governor Green."

Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green, M.D. said, "We appreciate the continued partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line, and the support it has recently provided to aid the recovery of the residents of Lāhainā. While travel to West Maui is restricted to returning residents and emergency responders, we are working with our tourism partners, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, and encouraging them to make a steady return to other areas of the island and throughout the rest of the state."

"The damaging effects of the recent wildfires to the Lāhainā community has been heartbreaking," said Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, chief brand officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. "As recovery efforts are underway, the island of Maui is dependent now more than ever on the return of mindful, respectful visitation which keeps our residents employed and businesses open. We are encouraging travelers and visitor industry companies, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, to make a responsible return to the island, visiting the many areas that were not impacted by the fires and are welcoming travelers back."

Tallink Grupp terminates charter agreement of cruise ferry Romantika

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 September 2023 01 September 2023

The charter agreement for the charter of company vessel Romantika signed between a subsidiary of AS Tallink Grupp, AS Tallink Latvija and Holland Norway Lines BV, has been terminated on 1 September 2023 before the charter agreement’s normal expiry date.

Fincantieri completes refurbishments for Crystal ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2023 31 August 2023

Fincantieri has completed the parallel modernization of two cruise ships for Crystal (A&K Travel Group), delivering Crystal Symphony in recent days. The first vessel, Crystal Serenity, rejoined the owner’s fleet on July 20.

The contract was finalized in December 2022, and, after an initial phase committed to engineering development, works lasted for about five months significantly raising the level of amenities and accommodations on board. The hotel part of the ships, both public areas and suites and guest rooms, was revolutionized, deeply affecting the systems part as well, in order to lengthen the operational life. The project was concluded with the usual drydocking activities preparatory to return to service.

On every ship, three decks were radically transformed with the installation of more than 100 new suites and guest rooms two, three and sometimes four times the size of the previous 230, generating environments of greater space and value, thanks to the refinement of the finishes used. Another 100 were completely modernized, without changing their size. Casinos have been removed to make room for generous lounges.

Aspects related to environmental sustainability have also been upgraded, with particular reference to wastewater treatment and energy recovery systems. Finally, the hulls have been treated with special state-of-the-art ecosilicone paints, which reduce friction and fuel consumption.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri stated: “This is one of the most important orders managed at our Arsenale Triestino San Marco, allowing us to further consolidate Fincantieri Services’ leadership in the refitting and refurbishment sector globally, which will grow a lot in the coming years due to the ongoing digital and green revolution”. Folgiero concluded, “Supporting as a technology partner the re-launch of a brand like Crystal is a very significant achievement, which starts in the best possible way the relationship with a client like Crystal that today refers to a shipowner we know very well as Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio”.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have a maximum capacity that now stands at about 740 and 606 passengers respectively.