Novo ferry rápido encomendado na Finlândia

O estaleiro Meyer Turku e a companhia Tallink Group anunciaram hoje a encomenda de um novo ferry rápido destinado à carreira Tallin - Helsínquia com 49.000 GT, 212 metros de comprimento, 27 nós de velocidade e lotação para 2800 passageiros, programado para entrar ao serviço no início de 2017. Trata-se de uma unidade de concepção muito avançada a que foi dada a máxima atenção à economia de operação e minimização da "pegada ecológica", com um casco preparado para navegação no gelo e formas hidrodinâmicas muito aperfeiçoadas, utilização de LNG como combustível príncipal e possibilidade de recurso a outro combustível.

Imagens artísticas do aspecto do novo navio RoRo de passageiros e carga que vai ser construído e Turku, Finlândia, para operar no Mar Báltico.

Texto e imagens /Text and images copyright L.M.Correia. Favor não piratear. Respeite o meu trabalho / No piracy, please. For other posts and images, check our archive at the right column of the main page. Click on the photos to see them enlarged. Thanks for your visit and comments. Luís Miguel Correia

QUANTUM of the SEAS entregue à Royal Caribbean

A frota da companhia Royal Caribbean foi aumentada hoje, 28 de Outubro de 2014, com a entrega do QUANTUM OF THE SEAS, primeiro de uma nova classe e actualmente o terceiro maior navio de passageiros do mundo, com 168 666 GT, 347,75 metros de comprimento fora-a-fora, capacidade máxima para 4905 passageiros, 1550 tripulantes, propulsão diesel eléctrica, com 67 200 kW, incluindo 41.000 kW associados aos propulsores azimutais e 22 nós de velocidade.

A entrega oficial do QUANTUM OF THE SEAS, construído em Papenburg, Alemanha, pelo estaleiro Meyer, ocorreu no porto de Bremerhaven e os primeiros passageiros embarcam em Southampton, Inglaterra a 31 de Outubro, para um mini-cruzeiro de apresentação à imprensa e aos convidados europeus da Royal Caribbean. Após a travessia do Atlântico, de 2 a 10 de Novembro, o QUANTUM OF THE SEAS fica baseado em Nova Iorque (Cape Liberty), de 10 de Novembro a 2 de Maio de 2015, efectuando cruzeiros às Bahamas, e Caraíbas. As primeiras saídas de Nova Iorque serão de apresentação do navio, e o cruzeiro inaugural, comercial, tem largada prevista para 23 de Novembro.

O QUANTUM OF THE SEAS é apresentado pela Royal Caribbean Cruises, de Miami, como o resultado de uma grande aposta na inovação e tecnologia. Tudo começou com a encomenda a 11 de Fevereiro de 2011 ao estaleiro alemão Meyer, muito provavelmente o melhor do mundo de entre os que se especializaram na construção de paquetes. A construção propriamente dita iniciou-se a 31 de Janeiro de 2013, com o corte do aço e, depois de construído dentro de uma enorme doca coberta, o QUANTUM OF THE SEAS foi posto a flutuar e retirado da doca a 9 de Agosto deste ano. 

Os números traduzem a grandeza desta novíssima cidade flutuante: 18 pavimentos, dos quais 16 para os passageiros, 2090 camarotes dos quais 28 individuais,(1571 com varanda, 148 exteriores, 375 interiores) ,todos com vista, que será virtual nos interiores, mediante a projecção de imagens numa antepara. As opções no que toca ao entretenimento e gastronomia são imensas. Para além das actividades tradicionais a bordo, o QUANTUM OF THE SEAS apresenta opções inéditas, caso da "Estrela do Norte", uma gondola transparente montada numa grua que permite a elevação dos passageiros a 90 metros do nível do mar com vistas de 360 graus, o "SeaPlex", um complexo desportivo e de animação com pista de gelo, carrinhos de choque, escola de circo com trapézios e mais umas quantas actividades inimagináveis num navio tradicional. O conceito associado à gastronomia é o "Dynamic Dining", com 18 restaurantes, complementares entre si, dos quais 10 de utilização gratuita, variando as experiências e tipos de cozinha, num modelo algo inspirado no "FreeStyle Dining" da concorrente NCL.

A informação técnica do estaleiro destaca que o QUANTUM OF THE SEAS tem características especialmente amigas do ambiente: grande eficiência energética, formas hidro-dinâmicas optimizadas e pintura das obras vivas high tech, sofisticado sistema de escape de gases (hybrid scrubber) e recuperação de energia, assim como iluminação LED. Os sistemas de alarme, segurança e navegação, comunicações e propulsão são o último grito da tecnologia. 

Para além de todas as inovações, o QUANTUM OF THE SEAS tem um casco bonito, pintado de azul claro, cor muito semelhante à utilizada pelos paquetes da antiga Companhia Nacional de Navegação, e vão juntar-se-lhe, em 2015 e 2016 dois gémeos, o ANTHEM OF THE SEAS e o OVATION OF THE SEAS, já em construção na Alemanha. 

A partir de 25 Junho de 2015 o QUANTUM OF THE SEAS vai ser posicionado em Shanghai, passando a fazer cruzeiros à Coreia e ao Japão para o mercado da China, considerado o mercado emergente com crescimento mais rápido. De 2 de Maio a 24 de Junho de 2015 o QUANTUM OF THE SEAS efectua um cruzeiro posicional de Nova Iorque para a China, com escala em Ponta Delgada, São Miguel a 8 de Maio, não estando previstas, infelizmente, outras escalas em portos portugueses, com o navio a visitar Cartagena, quando Lisboa seria uma alternativa muito mais interessante. Com o QUANTUM baseado na China, provavelmente tão cedo não teremos o prazer de o ver navegar no Tejo, mas o mesmo não acontecerá com o seu irmão gémeo ANTHEM OF THE SEAS que deverá fazer escalas em Lisboa em 2015. 

Texto de  /Text copyright L.M.Correia. Favor não piratear. Respeite o meu trabalho / No piracy, please. For other posts and images, check our archive at the right column of the main page. Click on the photos to see them enlarged. Thanks for your visit and comments. Luís Miguel Correia

Estaleiro Meyer compra STX de Turku

Acaba de ser anunciado o acordo entre a STX Europe, o Governo da Finlândia e o estaleiro alemão Meyer com vista à compra do estaleiro de Turku, que se encontrava à venda há algum tempo no meio de rumores associando a Meyer Werft como principal interessado. A concretização do negócio está pendente de aprovação das entidades burocráticas reguladoras devendo o estaleiro alemão ficar com uma posição de 70 por cento no capital do estaleiro de Turku em associação com o Governo da Finlândia, com 30 por cento.

Esta operação que viabiliza um estaleiro com 1300 trabalhadores e elevada especialização na construção de navios de cruzeiros é anunciada conjuntamente com a encomenda por parte da companhia alemã TUI CRUISES de mais dois navios de cruzeiros gémeos do MEIN SCHIFF 3 e 4, que receberão os nomes MEIN SCHIFF 5 e 6 e deverão entrar ao serviço em 2016 e 2017. Com 97 000 toneladas brutas (GT) e capacidade para 2500 passageiros em camas baixas, cada navio custa cerca de €390 milhões de euros.

Imagens do esteleiro STX Turku: de cima para baixo, assentamento do primeiro bloco do MEIN SCHIFF 4 a 25 de Fevereiro de 2014, aspecto do estaleiro com duas construções destinadas à Royal Caribbean e sala de controlo das máquinas do paquete MEIN SCHIFF 3, entregue este ano.

Texto e imagens /Text and images copyright STX Turku. Favor não piratear. Respeite o meu trabalho / No piracy, please. For other posts and images, check our archive at the right column of the main page. Click on the photos to see them enlarged. Thanks for your visit and comments. Luís Miguel Correia 

Cruise ships from Papenburg

Recent cruise ships Papenburg-built in official shipyard photographs: from top to bottom: AIDAMAR, AIDASOL, CELEBRITY REFLECTION and DISNEY FANTASY. 

The family owned Meyer shipyard is one of the most famous builders of passenger cruise ships today.

Texto e imagens /Text and images copyright L.M.Correia. Favor não piratear. Respeite o meu trabalho / No piracy, please. For other posts and images, check our archive at the right column of the main page. Click on the photos to see them enlarged. Thanks for your visit and comments. Luís Miguel Correia

NCL orders new megaship

MIAMI – October 17, 2012 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017. The new ship, at 163,000 gross tons and approximately 4,200 passenger berths, will be larger than the Company’s Breakaway class ships currently under construction at MEYER WERFT and incorporate many of those vessels’ unique design elements and innovations. With the project name “Breakaway Plus,” this new vessel will be the largest in Norwegian’s fleet.

The ship’s contract price is approximately euro 700 million and the Company has export credit financing in place which was arranged and underwritten by KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH of Germany.

“Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have garnered significant attention in the marketplace with their innovative design, rich stateroom mix and world-class amenities. Building on that momentum, along with MEYER WERFT’s expertise and efficiency in the design and construction process, we are extending the excitement and anticipation with a new, larger edition Breakaway Plus class ship to further distinguish the Norwegian brand,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “This new order further solidifies our commitment to continued innovation in terms of the guest experience and will incorporate technical and environmental advances as well.”

MEYER WERFT, based in Papenburg, Germany, is currently building Norwegian’s two new 146,600 gross ton, 4,000-passenger Breakaway class vessels: Norwegian Breakaway, scheduled for delivery in late April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, scheduled for delivery in mid-January 2014. Prior to the Breakaway class ships, MEYER WERFT built Norwegian’s four Jewel-class ships – Norwegian Gem delivered in 2007, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade delivered in 2006, and Norwegian Jewel delivered in 2005. This new vessel on order, along with the option for the second ship, will be the tenth and eleventh that the Company will build with MEYER WERFT.

“We are pleased that Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to expand and enlarge its exciting Breakaway class at MEYER WERFT,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT. “Our companies have a long history together and we appreciate Norwegian Cruise Line’s continued commitment to MEYER WERFT.”

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise vacation on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment. The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010 and is continuing to innovate with the launch of “New York’s Ship” Norwegian Breakaway in late April 2013. The company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.

Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will also perform on the vessel. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

Norwegian Breakaway will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship. The innovative Studios are designed and priced for solo travelers. Other accommodations include Oceanview and Balcony staterooms, and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 46-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to “Cruise Like a Norwegian” on one of 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010 and has been named “Best Overall Cruise Ship” by the readers of Travel Weekly and “Best Ship for Sea Days” by Cruise Critic. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, appearing for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, The Second City®, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

The Company has two 4,000-passenger vessels, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, under construction for delivery in April 2013 and January 2014, along with one larger “Breakaway Plus” vessel for delivery in fall 2015. Known as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest vessel to homeport year-round in the city, sailing to Bermuda for the summer beginning May 12, 2013. Norwegian Breakaway’s features include hull art by legendary artist Peter Max, seafood restaurant Ocean Blue by famed New York chef Geoffrey Zakarian, and fitness classes and a retrospective display from the ship’s iconic godmothers, the Rockettes®. The entertainment lineup includes three Broadway shows: Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy. Norwegian Getaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami, will sail Eastern Caribbean voyages beginning in February 2014. Sailings for both vessels are now on sale.

About MEYER WERFT GmbH

Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT has been owned by the sixth generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has approximately 2,500 employees. MEYER WERFT’s extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships, gas tankers, livestock carriers to car and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously improved and extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry. For more information, go to www.meyerwerft.com.

NCL orders two cruise ships to be built by Meyer Werft

MIAMI – OCTOBER 25, 2010 – Following the successful launch of Norwegian Epic, the Company’s largest and most 

innovative ship to date, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014, respectively.  Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels, the largest passenger/cruise ships to be built in Germany, will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Additional details about each ship’s new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately €1.2 billion. The Company has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

"We have always been focused on a disciplined approach to capacity growth. Our decision to add two new ships reflects the significant progress we have made in improving our operating performance and repositioning the Company over the last several years, as well as the strong market demand we are seeing for Norwegian Epic and our other ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, we are taking the best of what our newest ship has to offer, as well as drawing on our legacy of innovation in the cruise industry, in creating a new class of Freestyle Cruising vessel that is sure to provide our guests with the unparalleled freedom and flexibility they have come to expect on a Norwegian cruise.”

“We are excited to be returning to MEYER WERFT and are confident that their rich ship building history and expertise will bring our vision to fruition,” added Sheehan. MEYER WERFT, based in Papenburg, Germany, most recently built Norwegian’s four Jewel-class ships – Norwegian Gem delivered in 2007, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade delivered in 2006, and Norwegian Jewel delivered in 2005. These new vessels are the eighth and ninth that the Company will build with MEYER WERFT.

“Norwegian Cruise Line and MEYER WERFT have a long history of working together. We are thrilled to continue our partnership. Our teams work very well together and we are looking forward to building this new, exciting and innovative class of vessels,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT.  “In addition, the 21,000 employees of the yard and its supplier companies* involved in the construction of the ships appreciate the new project from one of our longstanding customers.”    

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise vacation on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment.  The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010.  The 4,100 passenger vessel has been called the “entertainment ship” with a variety of shows and venues that trump land-based resorts like those found in Las Vegas. Headliners include Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos and Slam Allen Blues Band.  In addition, the ship features Nickelodeon™ at Sea as part of its wide-range of family offerings. Further innovations include the largest spa at sea, the first true ice bar at sea and The Studios, which are staterooms designed and priced for solo travelers, along with The Villas, the largest suite complex at sea.

“We are bringing this spirit of innovation to these two new build ships, as Norwegian continues to offer our guests new and exciting ways to enjoy their Freestyle Cruising vacation,” said Sheehan.

*Source: Economic Research Institute of Lower Saxony, Hanover 2010

DELIVERY OF AIDAluna 2009-03-16

AIDAluna at sea on 19 March and on 14 February 2009 on river Ems at Papenburg


Third Club Ship for AIDA Cruises

Papenburg, 16 March 2009 - Today MEYER WERFT delivered the 69,200-gt cruise ship AIDAluna to the owner AIDA Cruises in the German port of Emden.

The AIDAluna is the third ship out of a series of six the Papenburg shipyard is building for AIDA Cruises. On this ship luxury interiors are combined with state-of-the-art technical outfitting. Highlight of the AIDAluna is the open-air cinema, which is installed on an AIDA cruise ship for the first time: The LED-display contains more than 186.000 LED-lamps, is
7, 17 meters wide and 4, 03 meters high. Along with its new design, the new club ship offers the passengers numerous specialities and a great deal of convenience: Some 65 per cent of the cabins are outside cabins, most of them having their own balconies.

Both safety and entertainment meet the latest technical standards ensured by the diesel-electric propulsion system, interactive communication systems and sophisticated stage technology.

Upon delivery the AIDAluna will leave the port of Emden in Lower Saxony for Hamburg. There she will stay for two nights: From the 18^th to 19^th March 2009 and also from the 21^st to 22^nd March 2009 the AIDAluna will be berthed at the Graasbrookkai pier. The AIDAluna will leave Hamburg for her maiden trip on the 22^nd March 2009 in the early evening, to be named in the port of Palma de Mallorca by her godmother Franziska Knuppe on the 04^th April 2009.

Ship Design – Technical data

Tonnage	69,200 gt
Length overall	252 m
Breadth moulded	32.2 m
Number of decks	13
Draught	7.30 m
Deadweight	6,100 t
Engine Output	totally 36,000 kW (approx. 48,960 hp)
Propulsive Power	25,000 kW (approx. 36,000 hp)
Speed	22 kts
Passengers	2,050
Number of passenger cabins	1,025
Number of outside cabins	666
Number of inside cabins	359
Crew	approx. 650
Number of seats in Theatrium	approx.1,100
Number of restaurants	7
Number of bars/lounges	11
Flag	Italy
Classification	Germanischer Lloyd
Total weight of applied paint	approx. 200 t
Total length of cables laid	1,700 km
Diameter of propeller	5.2 m
Unit weight of propellers (2 pcs)	13.2 t
Steel	20,000 t
Fuel tanks	approx. 2,500 t
Fuel consumption per day at 85% MCR	approx 140 t
Carpet	27,500 m²
Parquet floor	2,500 m²
PVC floor	4,500 m²
Tiles	4,100 m²
Outside glass surfaces	4,200 m²
Glass wall (Theatrium)	approx. 400 m²
Size of “AIDA eye”	150 m²
Length of “AIDA mouth”	16 m
Length of “AIDA trail”	140 m
Lighting fittings	36,263 pcs

■ Accommodation

Cabins

On AIDAluna there are a total of 1,025 passenger cabins, of which 359 are inside and 666 outside cabins. Apart from various cabin categories there are also 18 suites. These are provided in the forward and aft part of the ship on decks 6-9. The cabins are subdivided in inside, outside and balcony cabins and have their own bathrooms, colour TVs, phones, safes, hairdryers, individual temperature control and Internet access.

All told, the following cabins/suites are found on board:

Suites	18
Balcony cabins	439
Outside cabins	205
Disabled cabins – outside, with window	4
Disabled cabins – inside	7
Inside cabins	352

■ Public Rooms

“Theatrium” (Decks 9-10-11)

The space layout of the Theatrium is excitingly new and unique – the vibrant heart of the ship. Theatre, bars and a market place are merged to a one-of-a-kind space over three decks and a surface of more than 3,000 sqm. The Theatrium is equipped with a large, state-of-the-art stage system.

4D Cinema (Deck 11)

This cinema presents films in 4D quality, which means seeing, hearing and feeling a film. The films were especially produced for this purpose. The cinema is fitted with moving chairs, giving the audience the impression of being exposed to the elements.

“Weite Welt” Restaurant (Deck 10)

A multi-cultural restaurant with counters serving specialties from all over the world is located on deck 10.

“Fit & Fun” (Deck 11), “Body & Soul”, “Wellness Oase”

Never has there been more space for recreation and sports: treat your body and soul to the best things in life on 2,300 sqm.

■ Machinery and Supply and Disposal Systems

Safety Systems

The AIDAluna is subdivided in five fire zones. She has six tender boats and 14 life boats as well as two fast-rescue boats. Moreover she is equipped with four so-called “marine evacuation systems”.

Propulsion System and Power Supply

Four diesel generators, each having an output of 9,000 kW, ensure power generation on board. The diesel engines, type MaK 9M43C, can be operated with both diesel oil and heavy-fuel oil. What is new about the engines is especially the reduced rate of pollution and decreased consumption.

Automation System

Control and monitoring of all technical plants and systems are integrated in the ship’s automation system. Its structure is redundant and de-centralised, and plenty of “work stations” are provided where technical data can be retrieved or functions can be implemented.

Integrated Navigation and Command System

The AIDAluna is operated by means of an integrated navigation and command system, type NACOS 65-5 made by SAM Electronics

Integrated TV System

The AIDAluna is equipped with an interactive TV-system. Hence the passengers may create their stays on board “interactively”. The amenities include video and audio on demand (Pay-TV), teleshopping, email, Internet, Intranet and a sophisticated Voice-over-IP system.
Press release and photos by Meyer Weft. For other posts and images, check our archive at the right column of the main page. Click on the photos to see them enlarged. Thanks for your visit and comments. Luís Miguel Correia