News

Viking Cruises and Fincantieri firm contract for two newbuilds

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 04 March 2019 04 March 2019

In the context of the agreement announced in March 2018 for the construction of six ships, Fincantieri and Viking signed the contracts for the first two units, which will be delivered respectively in 2024 and 2025.

In partnership with the shipowner, Fincantieri will develop an advanced project based on the successful characteristics of the previous ships, upgraded and revisited in line with the latest available technologies. Viking’s current ocean fleet includes ships having exclusively all-veranda staterooms, a gross tonnage of about 47,800 tons with accommodation for 930 passengers in 465 cabins.

Fincantieri started its partnership with Viking in 2012, trusting the shipowner who was entering the ocean cruise market as a start-up. Today, the cooperation which first began with an order for two ships, has reached a total of 20 units, including the order awarded to Vard for two special cruise ships and the options. This is an all-time record, the largest number of units built by a shipbuilder for one sole shipowner.

Lindblad orders second newbuilding from Ulstein

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 28 February 2019 28 February 2019

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., the US based expedition cruise specialist, said it has signed an agreement with Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer Ulstein in Norway to build a polar vessel. “The new ship is scheduled for delivery from Ulstein Verft in Q3 2021. The vessel is sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, which is under construction,” Lindblad said in a statement.

The order will expand the line’s National Geographic polar fleet to four ships. National Geographic Quest was introduced in July 2017, National Geographic Venture followed in December 2018 and the scheduled delivery of National Geographic Endurance in Q1 2020.

“Sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, the polar vessel will be fully stabilized with the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) of any purpose-built passenger vessel, and will feature Ulstein’s signature X-BOW®, a unique design that affords the smoothest, most comfortable ride imaginable, in all sea behavior, which results in greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions, for reduced environmental impact,” Lindblad said.

Global Ports Holding-led consortium to operate and develop Nassau facilities

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 February 2019 27 February 2019

Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH), the Istanbul based company that is the world's largest independent cruise port operator, said that the Government of the Bahamas has awarded a 25 year concession to a consortium in which the company has a 49% stake to operate the cruise facilities in Nassau

The consortium is called Nassau Cruise Port Ltd (NCP) and it comprises GPH, the Bahamian Investment Fund and the Yes Foundation as members. The concession entails the Prince George Wharf and related areas, at Nassau cruise port. It handles about 3.7 million passengers each year.

“The Group, NCP and the Government of the Bahamas will now work towards agreeing the terms of a concession agreement. Following the successful execution of the concession agreement, GPH as part of NCP, will use its global expertise and operating model to manage the cruise port operations in Nassau,’ GPH said in a statement.

In addition, NCP will invest in expanding the capacity of the port from six berths to eight berths as well as taking a number of steps to transform the cruise port experience for both passengers and locals.

“The transformation will include the building of a new iconic terminal building, the creation of an event and entertainment area, investment into improving the current retail facilities and the design and construction of new food and beverage facilities as well as integration of the port into Bay Street and downtown Nassau. The new port is expected to act as a catalyst for the wider redevelopment of downtown Nassau,” GPH said.

GPH recently signed agreements with Antigua and the Cuban capital of Havana to operate and develop cruise facilities in both respective locations.