Posted September 14, 2022 4:42 pm by
Naval Executive
The cruise industry is preparing to launch three large cruise ships before the end of the year, each fueled by liquefied natural gas. It is part of the industry’s push to improve its environmental performance with shipping being among the shipping sectors that are rapidly adopting LNG.
Cruising launched its first ships capable of operating entirely on LNG in late 2018 and has taken a total of seven large cruise ships already in service using LNG with three more scheduled to enter service in November and December of this year. According to DNV, a total of 10 passenger ships are currently operating on LNG fuel with an additional 29 on order.
Carnival Corporation was the first to introduce LNG fueled cruise ships working with Germany’s Meyer Werft to develop designs for the first large cruise ships. of AIDANova launched in 2018 as the first in class, with the design platform endorsed by Costa, P&O and Carnival Cruise Line as well. Recently, the next two ships built from the LNG platform hit key milestones as they prepare for their upcoming maiden voyages.
Carnival Cruise Line’s second of three LNG-fueled cruise ships, Carnival celebration embarked on her first round of sea trials on Monday, September 5, from the Meyer Turku shipyard. The Finnish shipyard built two LNG cruise ships for Costa and is now completing the second of two cruise ships for Carnival. of Carnival celebration had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board to fully test the ship’s technical, mechanical and navigational systems when she put to sea for the first time in early September.
“During her sea trials, Carnival Celebration underwent several tests, which aim to determine the ship’s capability and performance. We have done many handling tests, such as stability tests, steering tests, speed tests and thruster tests. The ship performed wonderfully, and soon, we will take it out and start sailing,” said Captain Vincenzo Alcaras.
of Carnival celebration enters service on November 6. She will make a special transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Miami before embarking on 7-day Caribbean cruises. She will become the first LNG fueled cruise ship based in Miami.
P&O’s second LNG-fueled cruise ship Arvia launched from the building hall (Meyer Werft)
Another cruise ship built on the same platform, P&O Cruises’ Arvia being built at Meyer Werft in Germany also marked a milestone on August 27. The 1,130-foot-long cruise ship was maneuvered from the Meyer II’s covered construction dock. The lay-up began early in the morning with the vessel positioned near the appropriate dock where the hull and mast will be lifted onto the vessel by crane. The ship’s lifeboats also arrived at the yard and will be placed on the grill while she is in dock.
of Arvia expected to undertake her transport to Ems in the North Sea in early October. She will then undergo sea trials and final outfitting prior to her delivery. Her maiden voyage is scheduled for December 9, sailing round-trip from Southampton to the Canary Islands.
after Arvia left the building hall, the floating engine room module for the third LNG fueled cruise ship, Carnival Jubilee was moved to the dock to join other blocks already assembled in the hall. Carnival Jubilee is expected to be delivered in late 2023.
Based on the same platform, all three ships are approximately 180,000 gross tons that accommodate more than 5,200 passengers. They have common design elements like the three-story atrium and elements unique to each cruise line. P&O is expanding dining and entertainment options as Carnival Celebration features an area to highlight Miami and special elements, including equipment and furnishings from the company’s previous cruise ships, to mark Carnival’s 50th anniversary.
MSC is also preparing to launch its first LNG cruise ship, with MSC World Europe marking a milestone on September 10. The vessel completed its first LNG bunkering in the French port of La Rochelle. At 215,863 gross tons, she becomes one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Its naming ceremony is scheduled to be held on November 13 in Doha, the capital of Qatar, while the ship is serving as a hotel during the World Cup matches. She will sail from Qatar until March 2023 before repositioning in the Mediterranean.
Disney Cruise Lines also announced details of its second LNG-fueled cruise ship, which will be named Disney treasure when it enters service in 2024. Royal Caribbean International is preparing to launch its first LNG-fueled cruise ship, Icon of the seasin late 2023 as well as a smaller luxury cruise ship The silver moon under construction for its Silversea Cruises brand. The 54,500 gross ton cruise ship is scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2023.
Fincantieri is starting construction of its first LNG fueled cruise ships. Work began in July on the first LNG cruise ship for Germany’s TUI Cruises. Fincantieri is also building a new class of LNG cruise ships for Princess Cruises.
