Top Headlines

Ponant finalizes the contract for two newbuilds

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 19 December 2019 19 December 2019

In the context of the agreement announced last November for two new-generation luxury expedition cruise vessels, the French cruise company Ponant and Vard, Fincantieri’s Norwegian subsidiary, have finalized the contract.

In the past, Fincantieri has already built for Ponant four ships in Ancona, Le Boréal, L’Austral, Le Soléal, and Le Lyrial, delivered respectively in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2015. Vard, Fincantieri’s Norwegian subsidiary, active in the design and shipbuilding of expedition cruise vessels, has built in 2018 and 2019 four units of the Ponant Explorers class and will deliver the last two of the series in 2020. Vard will also deliver Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel powered with LNG, to Ponant in 2021.

The new units, due for delivery both in 2022, will represent an evolution of the Ponant Explorers class vessels. They will be operated in the South Pacific areas for Paul Gauguin Cruises brand as well as the eponymous ship acquired recently by Ponant, thus bringing the number of ships under this brand to three. They will be built by Vard group’s production network, and they will be about 11.000 gross tons with the capacity to accommodate about 230 passengers on board.

They will be hybrid electric and equipped with cutting-edge technology in terms of environment and population protection, featuring the most extensive battery package application in the market, allowing smokeless operation at anchor, in ports and in environmentally sensitive areas. More in detail, in order for the ships to have as minimal an impact as possible on the environment, their eco-design will be guided by three objectives: energy optimization to ensure minimal consumption, comprehensive of the hydrodynamic optimization of the hull, more energy-efficient equipment, and an innovative energy recovery system; reduction of underwater noise; improvement of waste treatment with the “Cleanship Super” label from Bureau Veritas, an independent certification body.

Port Everglades tops world record by 79 passengers

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 18 December 2019 18 December 2019

It’s official! Port Everglades beat its own world record on December 1, 2019, with 79 more passengers than its previous record set in 2016. Once all the manifests were tallied, a total of 55,964 passengers sailed in and out of Port Everglades in a single day, topping the previous record of 55,885 set in March 2016.

“We knew it would be close because it was a busy weekend. This is nice gift for the holidays,” said Glenn Wiltshire, Port Everglades Acting Chief Executive & Port Director.

Cruise lines and ships that contributed to Port Everglades’ record-breaking day include Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Magic, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, Holland America Line’s Eurodam and Nieuw Statendam, Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess and Sky Princess, and Balearia Caribbean’s Jaume II (daily ferry).

Port Everglades’ enviable location in the heart of South Florida and the neighboring Caribbean, makes us one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world, hosting nearly 4 million passengers annually. Guests enjoy the Port’s proximity to three international airports including and rapidly growing Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) less than two miles away. For pre- and post-cruise stays, Port Everglades is a short drive to sweeping beachfronts, a vibrant art scene, world-class restaurants, craft breweries, entertainment, shopping, casinos, and family-friendly activities -- including our namesake, the Florida Everglades. The Port's wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of itineraries from the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach area.

Galveston and Royal Caribbean to develop new state-of-the-art terminal to accommodate Allure of the Seas

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 14 December 2019 14 December 2019

The Port of Galveston, the fourth most active cruise port in North America, has signed a long-term contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) for a new $100 million cruise terminal. Through the public-private partnership, RCL will build the terminal, then lease it from the port for an initial term of 20 years, with four 10-year extension options.

The two-story terminal will have a footprint of approximately 170,000 square feet on 10 acres in the eastern section of the port known as Pier 10. Construction is expected to begin in April 2020. Anticipated to open in fall 2021, the facility will feature state-of-the-art technology, including mobile check-in and facial recognition to expedite guest arrival. The terminal will be designed and developed sustainably to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental) certification standards.

Improvements to the pier bulkhead and apron will be made to safely accommodate the cruise line’s largest vessels. In addition, a staging and loading area, bus and taxi staging areas and substantial parking will be constructed.

The port will be responsible for items including maintenance, parking, and improvements to the dock so that it can accommodate the larger vessels. RCL will contribute to the cost of improving the docks.

“This is historic moment, not only for the port but for Galveston. This partnership will bring economic growth to the region and the state by generating new jobs, spending and tax revenues. It also will bring more visitors to the island, a popular tourist destination,” said Port Director/CEO Rodger Rees. “Galveston is on course to become a global destination for cruising, and we are thankful for partners like Royal Caribbean.”

As the Port of Galveston’s cruise industry grows, so does its local and state economic impact. According to a national report, Galveston’s cruise business grew by 13 percent in 2018, resulting in $1.5 billion in cruise industry direct expenditures and 26,241 jobs with total wages of $1.75 billion in Texas.

“We are excited to partner with the Port of Galveston to develop a world-class facility which will allow us to sail our newest, largest and most innovative ships from Texas starting with Allure of the Seas, one of the largest ships in the world,” Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The new terminal will allow us to increase our guests to the region by 50% generating a $100 million economic impact within the first year of operation.”

The port began its successful partnership with RCL in 2002 with the inaugural sailing of Rhapsody of the Seas. Currently, the port is home to Enchantment of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the state of Texas.

In November 2021, the newly completed terminal will welcome one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Allure of the Seas. Following her $165 million amplification, Allure will pump up the adventure with the addition of the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea that touts a 10-story plunge; The Perfect Storm, a thrilling trio of multistory waterslides; and an array of culinary possibilities with more restaurants, including the introduction of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and returning favorites Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and El Loco Fresh; and more. Allure will sail 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Galveston and will be the biggest and boldest ship sailing form the Lone Star state.

ABB wins contract to power Genting’s Universal-class cruise vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 13 December 2019 13 December 2019

ABB has secured a €157 million contract to supply power, propulsion and digital solutions for Genting Hong Kong’s six Universal-class vessels that will bring global hotel brands to sea

The new vessels will be designed to the highest safety and environmental standards and will be powered by ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion, which has become the cruise industry standard since its launch in 1990.

Each of the 286-meter vessels will be propelled by twin Azipod units, with a combined power of 30 MW (40,230 HP) and will run on low-emission liquified natural gas. The vessels will be built by the Genting-owned shipbuilding company MV Werften with sites in Wismar, Rostoch and Stralsund in Germany. The vessels are due for delivery in 2023-2024.

The six vessels will bring luxury cruising experiences to its guests and feature high-end amenities, and will have a passenger capacity of 1000 to 4000 passengers depending on the Luxury, Premium or Contemporary class. Each cruise ship will have a total of 15 decks. Genting will operate these vessels for global hotel brands that want to enter the marine industry but are facing constraints related to most shipbuilding slots being occupied at present.

The vessels will have the capability to be connected to ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Center infrastructure, which monitors the performance of ABB technology on board and remotely connects operators with ABB experts.

“These vessels represent the next generation of cruising with their high flexibility, sustainable profile and highest safety and efficiency standards. ABB’s Azipod electric propulsion, known for its unparalleled performance, environmental credentials and reliability, has been a natural choice for these vessels,” said Gustaf Gronberg, Executive Vice President, Marine Operations & Newbuilding, Genting Hong Kong.

“With these vessels, we enter a new era of sustainable cruising, and we are pleased to collaborate with ABB, who through the years have proven to be a reliable solution provider enabling us to deploy advanced technology that defines the future of cruising,” said Peter Fetten, President and CEO of MV Werften.

“Sustainable technologies are at the heart of what we do at ABB, and we are truly honored to continue our long-standing relationship with MV Werften and Genting to see our technology chosen for these ships that seek to redefine modern-day cruising,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of the Industrial Automation business at ABB, which offers solutions for a wide range of industries, including marine.

Cruise travelling is becoming more popular for holidaymakers and according to industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 30 million passengers are expected to cruise the seas in 2019 – a 6% increase year-on-year. In addition to rising numbers of cruisers, CLIA reports that travelers are becoming more mindful than ever, expecting sustainable technology on board vessels.

“Azipod propulsion has become an industry benchmark for environmentally-friendly cruise technology, with its proven ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to traditional shaftline propulsion systems,” said Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports. "Fuel savings of over 900,000 tons have been made in the cruise segment alone due to the selection of Azipod® propulsion.”

The Azipod propulsion system, where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency. Due to minimal noise and vibration, Azipod propulsion also improves passenger and crew comfort.

CLIA expects 32 million passengers in 2020, spots six trends

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 13 December 2019 13 December 2019

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) expects the number of ocean cruise passengers carried by its member lines to grow to 32 million next year from 30 million in 2019 and 28.2 million in 2018.

“Newly released data shows 32 million passengers are expected to set sail in 2020. To meet ongoing demand, CLIA Cruise Lines are scheduled to debut 19 new ocean ships in the upcoming year, resulting in a total of 278 CLIA cruise line ocean ships projected to be in operation by the end of 2020,” the organisation said in its 2020 outlook report.

In addition, it said six trends would hallmark thie industry in the near future.

Environmental Sustainability: The development and identification of new technologies and cleaner fuels is a top priority for the cruise industry, which continues to make substantial investments in reducing environmental impact. CLIA’s most recent Environmental Technologies and Practice Report shows significant progress towards the adoption of new and innovative practices, while the industry continues to explore new ways to increase efficiencies.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) – 44% of new build capacity will rely on LNG fuel for primary propulsion

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (ECGS) – 68% of global capacity currently utilizes EGCS, while 75% of non-LNG new-builds will have EGCS

Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems – 100% of new builds will have these systems in place

Shore-side Power – 88% of new build capacity will have or be configured to add this ability.

Additional Areas of Focus – battery propelled vessels, advanced recycling practices, reduced plastic use, energy-efficient lighting, solar energy, and fuel cell.

Destination Stewardship: With increased demand and growth in the cruise industry comes responsibility to foster respect and cooperation with cruise destinations. In collaboration with local communities, the cruise industry is exploring new and creative ways to manage the flow of visitors and implement the highest standards of responsible tourism including:

Partnerships with local governments

Staggered arrivals and departures

Excursion diversification

Shoreside power

Local passenger spending

Cruise and Stay: The State of the Cruise Industry Outlook found more travellers are spending time in and near cruise ports. In fact, 65% of cruise passengers spend a few extra days at embarkation or debarkation ports.

Reduce Single-Use Plastic: Travellers are taking sustainability to the seas. The study found that more than eight of ten cruise passengers recycle (82%) and reduce using single-use plastics (80%) while travelling. Seven out of ten cruisers also forego plastic straws.

Generation Cruise Positive: The attitude around cruising is changing, no matter the generation. More than 66% of Generation X and 71% of Millennials have a more positive attitude about cruising compared to two years ago.

Lone Cruisers: Marriage rates are declining and the number of single adults is growing globally. As a result, cruise lines are responding to the shift in passenger demographics by offering studio cabins, single-friendly activities, eliminating single supplements and solo-lounges.

Micro Travel: Trip durations are continuing to change, with many travellers looking for quick trips. Cruise lines are offering bite-sized cruises over a three-to-five-day period offering shorter itineraries to a variety of destinations.