Celebrity Eclipse Repositions to the Mediterranean for the Fall Season

Celebrity Eclipse Repositions to the Mediterranean for the Fall Season

The Celebrity Eclipse arrived in Barcelona earlier this month to kick off its fall season in the Mediterranean.

The ship was one of Celebrity Cruises’ vessels in the region for the summer, having spent the past few months offering itineraries in Northern Europe.

In late August, the Solstice-class vessel embarked on a repositioning voyage that sailed from the Netherlands to Spain.

The 12-night cruise departed from Amsterdam and included visits to destinations in France, Spain and Portugal before arriving in Barcelona.

Highlights of the itinerary included visits to Le Havre, Lisbon and Palma de Mallorca, as well as a transit of the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Celebrity Eclipse is now scheduled to offer ten- to 11-night cruises that sail to destinations in both the Western and the Eastern Mediterranean.

In addition to Barcelona, the itineraries depart from ports in Italy and Greece, including Ravenna and Piraeus.

Sailing to the Adriatic and the Aegean, the cruises are highlighted by visits to the Greek Islands, Croatia, Turkey and Italy.

Among the destinations set to be visited are Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Santorini, Split, Naples and La Spezia.

The season runs through early November, when the Eclipse is scheduled to embark on a repositioning voyage to Florida.

Sailing from the Port of Barcelona, the 2,850-passenger ship offers a trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.

The 14-night cruise will feature stops in destinations in Spain, the United Kingdom and Bermuda, such as Málaga, Gibraltar and King’s Wharf.

The vessel is then scheduled to offer cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from Port Everglades before returning to Northern Europe in May 2027.

In related news, the Celebrity Eclipse underwent a refurbishment project during a drydock in early 2025.

As Cruise Industry News reported at the time, the 2010-built ship introduced an enhanced suite enclave following the refit, as well as a slight increase in its guest capacity.

Semester at Sea Opens Applications for Fall 2027 Voyage

Semester at Sea Opens Applications for Fall 2027 Voyage

Semester at Sea recently opened applications for its Fall 2027 World Voyage, which will take place onboard the World Odyssey.

According to an update shared by the company, the 104-day itinerary will sail to four continents and two oceans starting on September 9, 2027.

Departing from Ijmuiden in the Netherlands, the 140th voyage will be highlighted by visits to destinations in Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena and South Africa.

Before ending in Thailand in late December, the cruise is also scheduled to sail to additional ports in Southeast Asia and the Far East, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Semester at Sea noted that the voyage will feature six days in most ports, allowing for deeper immersion in destinations.

The company said passengers will move “beyond tourism to engage with local community leaders, environmental experts and historic heritage sites.”

A seven-day visit to Cape Town is returning by popular demand, the brand continued, noting that the South African city has been consistently ranked as a favorite destination by its alumni and guests.

For the first time in recent years, the voyage will feature a visit to Singapore, which Semester at Sea said offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sophisticated green cities.

The company also highlighted days at sea, noting that the World Odyssey is transformed into a “floating campus” for its voyages.

“Students will take comparative coursework that brings the world outside their cabin window into the classroom, led by a world-class faculty dedicated to global perspectives,” it added.

Applications for the Fall 2027 Voyage for both students and Lifelong Learners opened on July 1, 2026.

Operating for Semester at Sea as part of a charter deal, the World Odyssey usually spends summer seasons sailing for Phoenix Reisen as the Deutschland.

With Phoenix Reisen deciding not to renew its contract beyond 2026, plans for the ship’s 2027 summer season are unclear.

Originally built for Peter Deilmann in Germany, the World Odyssey entered service in 1998 before making its debut for Semester at Sea in late 2015

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

AIDA Ship to Enter Drydock with Passengers

The AIDAmar is scheduled to enter drydock with passengers onboard as part of a special itinerary in Northern Europe.

According to the company’s website, the new 10-night itinerary allows guests to live a “shipyard experience,” with a visit to a facility in the Netherlands.

The unique cruise departs from the German port of Warnemünde on June 28, 2026, and visits destinations in the Baltic and the North Sea.

But the highlight is a 24-hour call to a shipyard in Rotterdam.

“This very special journey takes you not to the typical tourist terminals but directly into the vibrant, industrial heart of Europe’s largest seaport,” AIDA stated.

The company added that the visit to the historical shipyard in Rotterdam offers AIDA fans and seafaring enthusiasts a rare opportunity to accompany the AIDAmar during its drydock.

AIDA noted that passengers will enjoy a unique atmosphere onboard as the ship undergoes scheduled maintenance at the facility.

The Carnival brand also described the cruise as an “authentic maritime experience, far from the usual holiday routes.”

AIDA said it is currently studying the possibility of allowing guests to disembark the vessel during its drydock.

“As this is an active industrial site subject to strict security regulations, disembarking on foot across the shipyard grounds is strictly prohibited for safety reasons,” the company explained.

“Any possibilities for leaving the ship depend on the operational procedures on site and, if feasible, will only be carried out in an organized manner.”

In addition to the visit to the shipyard in Rotterdam, the cruise will also sail to Visby, Stockholm and Karlskrona.

The theme cruise will cater to soccer fans as well, with a series of activities designed to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Part of AIDA’s Sphinx class, the AIDAmar was built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany and entered service in 2012.

The 71,000-ton vessel is scheduled to undergo a major refurbishment in November 2026 as part of the AIDA Evolution refit program.

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

Ventura Enters Drydock in Rotterdam

P&O Cruises’ Ventura is currently undergoing a drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The vessel wrapped up its regular operations in Southampton on February 7, 2026, before arriving at the facility one day later.

Following the drydock, the Ventura will then welcome guests back on February 27, 2026, to kick off a 35-night cruise to the Caribbean and the United States.

Ports of call set to be visited include Port Canaveral and Miami, as well as New Orleans, where the Ventura is expected to stay two days docked.

In the Caribbean, the Ventura will make visits to Cozumel, Freeport, Belize and Roatán, as well as Freeport in the Bahamas.

The 3,100-guest ship is also scheduled to sail to the port of La Coruña in Spain, as well as Praia da Vitória in the Azores.

In September 2025, P&O cancelled a short cruise that was set to depart soon after the drydock. As Cruise Industry News reported, the vessel was scheduled to offer a four-night cruise on February 23, 2026.

At the time, the company said that the sailing was no longer possible due to an extension to a necessary refit for the Ventura. Cruising to the Netherlands, the itinerary included an overnight call to the port of Amsterdam.

Upon returning to Southampton in early April, the Ventura offers a series of cruises in Northern Europe and the Canaries.

The schedule is highlighted by visits to a wide range of destinations, including Santander, Vigo, Zeebrugge, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Ventura features a design based on Princess’ Grand-class series and entered service in 2008.

Holland America: ’Free of Amusement Parks and 2,000 Extra Guests’

Holland America: ’Free of Amusement Parks and 2,000 Extra Guests’

In its new marketing campaign, Holland America Line is taking a unique approach to differentiation by highlighting the qualities it doesn’t possess.

The promotion plan is focused on the Caribbean and aims to highlight the company’s product, which is based on relaxed premium experiences onboard mid-sized cruise ships.

Launched earlier this month, the “Refreshingly Free” campaign was based on research and customer feedback, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kacy Cole, explained.

“As we start to go to market and think about how we want to communicate to guests, we really discovered an opportunity,” she said during a press conference.

“We found that there are a lot of travelers who look at Caribbean cruising and don’t really want the amusement park-like experience,” she continued.

“They are looking for service, relaxation and cultural enrichment,” Cole added, noting a growing preference for cruise experiences that prioritize relaxation, personalized service and cultural enrichment over a high-energy environment.

“Guests also expressed some dissatisfaction with oversized ships, citing issues with overcrowding, long lines, etc.,” Cole added.

As a result, the new Holland America Line campaign is aimed at showing that the company’s vessels and product are “a real alternative for people to invest in and get excited about,” she explained.

“We really want to own differentiation. In putting this campaign together, we’re thinking about this idea of refreshingly free,” Cole continued.

She said that the Caribbean is dominated by short and weeklong cruises onboard large ships.

“That’s really not what we’re known for,” she added. “Holland America has been a trusted brand for more than 150 years, perfecting the art of leisurely travel. No water parks, no roller coasters, no amusement parks at sea.”

Mentioning the company’s “Savor the Journey” slogan, Cole said that the company offers an alternative to conventional Caribbean cruises with “experiences too good to hurry through.”

“That introduces ‘Refreshingly Free.’ It’s the idea that, from what you typically expect of the Caribbean, we are a little different.”

Calling the company’s ships mid-sized, Cole added that Holland America’s fleet carries an average of 50 percent fewer passengers than other ships in the Caribbean.

One of the materials developed by the company will highlight the fact that Holland America ships are “refreshingly free” of 2,000 additional people to spotlight the company’s 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio.

“We are really creating an experience in the Caribbean where you can unwind and be taken care of with our long tradition of genuine service,” Cole said.

The campaign is based on three main pillars, including the relaxed onboard experiences and the fleet’s smaller average size.

“Refreshingly Free” also focuses on Holland America’s culinary offerings with a pillar that highlights the company’s unique and fresh choices.

Cole called the company’s Fresh Fish and Destination Dining Programs “huge differentiators,” noting that Holland America developed options that celebrate the best ingredients and flavors of the region.

“The idea is really to connect the things that we aren’t and how that’s actually a really strong differentiator for Holland America and the Caribbean.”

Damen Replaces Engine on Regal Princess

Damen Replaces Engine on Regal Princess

Regal Princess in the historic port of Liverpool, photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr Account.

The Regal Princess had an engine block replacement during its recent stay at Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

According to an update shared by the facility, the project was part of a repair operation that took place in late April.

“The Regal Princess is a Royal-class cruise ship that has four diesel generators. The main reason it came into our drydock is that it had an engine failure and needed it replaced,” said Alexander Stijlaart, project manager at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam.

“We facilitated this engine exchange together with our sister company, Damen Harbour & Voyage,” he added.

“They did all the preparation work before the ship came into drydock. They already went onboard a couple of weeks prior.”

One of three Princess ships that underwent drydocks earlier this year, the Regal Princess arrived at the Damen shipyard on April 25, 2025.

After undergoing the repairs, the 2014-built ship welcomed guests back on May 9, kicking off a summer program in Northern Europe.

“When the ship came into drydock, we had to execute the scope, which meant we had to pump water out of the dock, cut the shell plate out, cut the internal bulkhead out, then put the skidding tracks in, jack the engine up and out,” Stijlaart explained.

The shipyard then reversed the process to install the new engines before painting the hull, he continued.

According to Damen, the engine replacement is a rare event that only happens once or twice in a decade.

“We had to make sure that everything that was obstructing the path of the engine was cleared, so we removed all piping, pumps and walkways,” added Remco Trouerbach, project manager at Damen Shiprepair Harbour & Voyage.

“The unique part of the work that we did onboard before and after the drydock is that the vessel was still in operation and therefore passengers were onboard enjoying their lovely cruises around the world.”

Trouerbach also highlighted the collaboration with Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, noting that the companies have an “easy cooperation.”

“We are basically colleagues with each other; therefore, issues you’re facing during the project can be easily worked out.”

Princess Ship Completes Drydock in Rotterdam

Princess Ship Completes Drydock in Rotterdam

The Sky Princess successfully completed a routine drydock at the Damen Verolme in Rotterdam earlier this month.

According to the Dutch shipyard, the Princess Cruises vessel spent a total of 16 days in the facility undergoing regular maintenance, in addition to technical upgrades.

The scope of work included the installation of class-certified parts for a new air lubrication system and a full hull painting program, Damen said.

A total of 1,200 crew members and 700 contractors worked around the clock to complete the project, which the shipyard called a logistical challenge.

Following the successful drydock, the Sky Princess resumed service on May 5.

Spending the summer in Northern Europe, the 2019-built vessel is presently offering a series of cruises departing from Southampton, England.

The program includes itineraries to Western Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, the Baltic and more.

In May, for instance, the ship is offering a seven-night cruise to Scandinavia, in addition to a special 14-night cruise to Iceland and Norway.

Also sailing roundtrip from Southampton, the two-week cruise features visits to Akureyri, Isafjord and Grundarfjordur in Iceland, as well as Skjolden, Olden and Alesund, in Norway.

Following its summer program in Europe, the Sky Princess is set to return to North America in November.

Starting on Nov. 25, the vessel offers a series of itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas departing from Princess’ cruise terminal in Port Everglades, Florida.

Fourth in a series of six ships known as Royal Class, the Sky Princess originally entered service in 2019.

Built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 141,000-ton cruise ship was followed, in 2020, by the Enchanted Princess – which also completed a drydock recently.

After arriving in Europe in March, the 3,660-guest vessel underwent routine work at a facility of the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Italy.

A third ship also spent time at a shipyard recently, as the Sapphire Princess visited the Vigor Shipyard on the U.S. West Coast for regular maintenance in April.

P&O’s New Ship Arvia Set for Ems River Conveyance

P&O’s New Ship Arvia Set for Ems River Conveyance

P&O Cruises’ newest ship, Arvia, will depart Meyer Werft in Papenburg on Saturday, November 5, 2022, when it will be transferred on the Ems River to Eemshaven, Netherlands.

The Arvia is expected to arrive in Eemshaven on Sunday, November 6, where it will see technical and nautical trials before departing for Bremerhaven where it will be delivered to P&O Cruises.

The Arvia will be transferred to the North Sea with the help of two tugs, according to the Meyer shipyard. The Ems River barrier will be closed to traffic. The ship is scheduled to pass the docking log around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and will pass the Ems barrier around 10:30 p.m.

The Arvia, sister ship to the Iona, which was delivered in 2020, is designed to accommodate 5,200 passengers. It is equipped with a SkyDome entertainment area featuring a swimming pool with a glass dome that can be opened.

The conveyance of the ship is expected to be completed on Monday, November 7.

The Arvia is then to embark on its winter itineraries across the Caribbean, starting with a voyage to the Canary Islands. The ship will depart from Southampton, England on December 3 and visit Funchal, Madeira, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Arrecife, Canary Islands, Cadiz, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal before returning to Southampton, England.

The company’s newest ship will have a busy start to 2023 with a series of cruises in January. The first 2023 cruise aboard the Arvia is scheduled for January 6, when the ship will depart from Southampton, England and make stops at Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Castries, St. Lucia, St. Georges, Grenada before reaching Bridgetown, Barbados.

New Rotterdam Completes First Year in Service

New Rotterdam Completes First Year in Service

The Rotterdam VII is completing its first year in service.

After being delivered a few months earlier, the new Holland America Line flagship welcomed its first guests on October 20, 2021.

On that day, the 2,650-guest vessel departed the Netherlands for a 14-day transatlantic to the United States.

Sailing from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale, the one-way voyage featured visits to five destinations, including the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago located in the middle of the Atlantic, and Brest, in France.

Upon arriving in North America in November, the Rotterdam began its inaugural season in the region, which included five- to 11-night itineraries to the Southern, Western and Eastern Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas.

During its first year in service, the vessel also sailed a summer program in Northern Europe – where it was christened by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands in May.

Currently sailing Holland America’s 150th-anniversary transatlantic crossing, the Rotterdam is now set to offer a second season of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises starting on October 30, 2022. 

The program includes ten- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean departing from Fort Lauderdale to popular destinations such as Curaçao, Grand Turk and Martinique.

A sister to the 2016-built Koningsdam and 2018-built Nieuw Statendam, the new Rotterdam is part of Holland America's Pinnacle class.

The seventh ship to carry the name of the company, it offers enhanced amenities and features, such as the Rolling Stone Rock Room, where guests are able to relive rock history with iconic hits performed by live bands.

The Rotterdam also offers 11 different dining experiences, including the Grand Dutch Café, a nod to Holland America Line’s heritage, as well as Italian, Asian and French speciality options.

Another highlight of the ship’s public areas is the theatre. Named World Stage, the showroom is equipped with a round stage and a two-story LED screen that creates a wraparound display.

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels the Norwegian Prima’s Inaugural Voyage

Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels the Norwegian Prima’s Inaugural Voyage

Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled the Norwegian Prima’s first voyage due to supply chain challenges.

According to an email sent to guests, as a result of supply chain challenges, the company was forced to cancel Norwegian Prima’s inaugural cruise.

The Norwegian Prima was scheduled to depart on August 17 on an eight-night cruise from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Reykjavik, Iceland, ahead of the ship’s christening.

Guests will automatically receive a full refund with no further actions required on their part.  

Furthermore, the company offered all guests a 25 per cent off discount on their next cruise, to be used on bookings from May 2, 2022, through May 2, 2023.

Holland America Line’s Volendam will be used to accommodate around 1,500 Ukrainian refugees.

HAL will provide three hot meals per day, private stateroom accommodations, housekeeping services, use of public spaces, fitness facilities, internet access and other necessities

It comes as part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who have fled the country following the Russian invasion.

 

HAL will provide three hot meals per day, private stateroom accommodations, housekeeping services, use of public spaces, fitness facilities, internet access and other necessities while the vessel is docked in Rotterdam. It will be staffed with around 650 crew members.

 

HAL president Gus Antorcha said the line was in a "unique position" to accommodate the immediate need for food and housing.

 

"Our company was founded in Rotterdam around the mission of helping immigrants find a better life," he added. "So today we’re proud to be a small part of a similar mission for Ukrainians who have tragically been displaced."

Volendam was scheduled to return to service on 15 May, with voyages from Rotterdam to Norway, the British Isles and Iceland.

 

To accommodate the three-month commitment, Holland America Line will cancel three of those voyages and resume service on 3 July instead. Guests on cancelled cruises are being notified and will be accommodated on similar itineraries.

 

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to guests booked on the three cancelled cruises," Antorcha said.

A trio of Cruise Ships Drydocks To Start 2021

The cruise ship drydock market will be hot for 2021, as operators push scheduled refits and class surveys forward ahead of returning to service

Work scopes are expected to be mandatory class surveys, inspections, and technical and safety maintenance, as the majority of big projects scheduled for 2020 and 2021 have been pushed back, Cruise Industry News reported in its 2021 Drydocking and Refurbishment Report.

Without passengers on the ship, the drydocking is when the cruise lines pounce to make any changes ranging from repair to hotel and facility upgrades.

Among the cruise ships that recently drydocked is the 1,778-guest Marella Explorer 2. She is staying at Damen in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Marella Explorer 2 has had her cabin ceilings and walls resprayed, bathrooms updated. Some of her suites got brand new solid wood floorings, and the Market Place got a contemporary resin floor.

The 2,600-passenger Sapphire Princess, which is operated by Princess Cruises, is currently drydocking at the Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore. The ship was previously scheduled for a drydock in April 2020, which got postponed after the start of the pandemic.

Finally, Dream Cruises’ 1,804-passenger Explorer Dream is not drydocking yet but will be between Feb. 19 and 25. The works will take place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

DFDS pledges to continue France and Netherlands sailings

DFDS pledges to continue France and Netherlands sailings

Ferry operator DFDS will continue to operate passenger routes between the UK, France and Netherlands, despite the government decision to add the countries to the quarantine list.

The company runs 57 sailings a day on routes from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk; three per day between Newhaven and Dieppe; and daily crossings between Newcastle and Amsterdam.

Kasper Moos, head of DFDS’ short routes and passenger business, said: “Customers with existing bookings or those considering booking a holiday to Europe can rest assured that we will continue to operate our passenger routes between the UK, France and Holland.

“While arrangements may have changed for what they must do when they return from their break, we continue to provide a safe and relaxing means to travel to and from the continent.”

DFDS has introduced safety measures onboard its ships to allow for social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes.

On its Dover-France routes, all bookings include a free meal in the onboard restaurants, meaning passengers can avoid having to break their journey to stop for food before getting onboard.

For the Newcastle-Amsterdam route, passengers can pre-book dinner and breakfast options during the online booking process.

Customers travelling on its routes from Dover and Newcastle have a ‘Travel Guarantee’, so they can cancel their journey and re-book for a future date for free.

BA’s 747 retirements ‘should bring forward aircraft scrappage scheme’

BA’s 747 retirements ‘should bring forward aircraft scrappage scheme’

The government must use British Airways’ retirement of its 747 fleets to bring forward aircraft scrappage scheme, says union Unite.

BA announced this morning that it is to retire its Boeing 31-strong 747 fleets as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The move was brought forward from 2024.

Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy noted the nostalgia of the aircraft but called on the aviation industry to use the landmark to move towards cleaner aircraft.

“While the 747 jet is held in high regard, it is time for the ‘queen of the skies’ to relinquish her throne,” he said. “The entire aviation industry’s stock of older more polluting planes needs to be replaced with the next generation of cleaner and quieter aircraft built and maintained in the UK.

“Other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and the  have already committed to scrappage measures that will see their aviation industries invest in greener aircraft and help re-kickstart aerospace manufacturing so badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is now time for the UK government to do the same and put together a sector-based strategy for the long-term future of our world-leading aerospace industry, and the thousands of highly skilled jobs it supports.

“Investment in research and development is vital if zero and ultra-low emission planes are to be built. However, this must be accompanied with an immediate industry-wide scrappage scheme so that the newest planes, which emit 25 per cent less Co2, are 25 per cent more fuel-efficient and 50 per cent quieter, can replace more polluting aircraft as quickly as possible.”

This week Boris Johnson said he would ‘examine’ the idea of an aircraft scrappage scheme. Transport secretary Grant Shapps recently announced a Jet Zero Council to work towards carbon-neutral transatlantic flights.

McCarthy said: “British Airways’ retirement of the 747 should be the impetus he needs to put such a [scrappage] scheme into action.”

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ chairman and chief executive, said: “This is not how we wanted or expected to have to say goodbye to our incredible fleet of 747 aircraft. It is a heartbreaking decision to have to make. So many people, including many thousands of our colleagues past and present, have spent countless hours on and with these wonderful planes – they have been at the centre of so many memories, including my very first long-haul flight. They will always hold a special place in our hearts at British Airways.

“We have committed to making our fleet more environmentally friendly as we look to reduce the size of our business to reflect the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on aviation.  As painful as it is, this is the most logical thing for us to propose. The retirement of the jumbo jet will be felt by many people across Britain, as well as by all of us at British Airways.  It is sadly another difficult but necessary step as we prepare for a very different future.”

Vestas wins new orders for wind turbines in the US, Canada, France, The Netherlands, Italy, Japan and Vietnam

Vestas wins new orders for wind turbines in the US, Canada, France, The Netherlands, Italy, Japan and Vietnam

Vestas has received an order for 278 MW of V150-4.2 MW turbines for a 302 MW project in the US including previously purchased 4 MW components. The order includes supply and commissioning of the turbines as well as a 10-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement, designed to ensure optimised performance for the lifetime of the project. Turbine delivery will begin the second quarter of 2021 with commissioning scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021. The project and customer are undisclosed.

In Canada, Vestas has received a 151 MW order of V136-3.45 MW turbines delivered in 3.6 MW Power Optimised Mode from Capital Power for the 97 MW Whitla Wind 2 and 54 MW Whitla Wind 3 projects in Alberta, Canada. The order includes supply and commissioning of the turbines as well as a 10-year service agreement, designed to ensure optimised performance for the lifetime of the project. Turbine delivery and commissioning are scheduled for 2021.

Whitla Wind 2 and 3 expand on the 202 MW Whitla Wind 1 Project, installed in 2019 and featuring the same turbine type.  Whitla Wind 1 was selected as one of four projects by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) in Alberta’s first renewable energy auction, a competition that attracted global participation.

Alberta plans to add up to 5,000 MW of renewable energy to the grid by 2030. The province is the third-largest wind market in Canada, which ranks 9th in the world for installed capacity. The wind has been the number one source of new electricity generation in Canada for more than a decade.

In France, international renewable energy developer Valeco has placed a 42 MW order for three wind projects, consisting of the supply and installation of eight V100-2.0 MW wind turbines delivered in 2.2 MW Power Optimised Mode and eight V117-3.45 MW wind turbines in 3.0 MW operating mode, as well as Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreements, designed to maximise energy production for the sites.

The name and location of the projects are undisclosed. Turbine delivery and commissioning are scheduled for the first half of 2021.

Vestas has over 5.1 GW capacity installed and over 2,300 wind turbines in France. These numbers place the company as the main contributor to the expansion of wind energy in France, where last year the company had a 40 per cent market share.

Also in France, Elicio has placed a 32 MW order for the Le Haut Plateau wind project, consisting of the supply and installation of nine V136-3.45 MW wind turbines delivered in 3.6 Power Optimised Mode, as well as an Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement for at least the next 20 years.

Turbine delivery will begin in the third quarter of 2021, with commissioning scheduled for the fourth quarter of the same year.

In The Netherlands, Vestas has won a 36 MW repowering order with Vattenfall for the Jaap Rodenburg II project. The wind project will be installed in the Province Flevoland, near Almere and will feature ten V117-3.45 MW turbines with 91.5-metre towers delivered in 3.6 MW Power Optimised Mode to maximise energy production in the site’s medium to high wind conditions, while meeting the local tip height requirements. This repowering project will replace the 10 V66 turbines and will more than double the installed capacity at the location.

The project will feature a VestasOnline Business SCADA solution, lowering turbine downtime and thus optimising the energy output. The contract further includes supply, installation and commissioning of the wind turbines, as well as a 10-years Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement.

Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021, while commissioning is planned for the second quarter of 2021.

In Italy, the company has received a 49 MW order for two projects located in the Campania region, consisting of six V110-2.0 MW wind turbines delivered in 2.2 MW Power Optimised Mode and ten V117-3.45 MW wind turbines in 3.6 MW operating mode.

The supply and installation contract also includes a 5-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement.

Turbine delivery and commissioning are planned for the first half of 2021. The names of the wind parks are undisclosed as per customer request.

With a 70 per cent market share in 2019 and with over 4.3 GW total capacity installed, Vestas leads the market as the main contributor to the expansion of wind energy in Italy.

In Japan, Vestas is working with Tokyu Land Corporation and Japan Wind Development, having secured a 76 MW order for Chitose Wind Farm and Noheji Mutsuwan Wind Farm in the Aomori prefecture.

Due to the typhoon and earthquake-prone environment of the region, an extended collaboration between all project partners was required when designing a turbine solution to maximise wind capture in the sites’ challenging wind and weather conditions.

The order includes the supply and supervision of four V117-3.45 MW and six V105-3.45 MW turbines that are all delivered in 3.6 MW Power Optimised Mode at Chitose Wind Farm, as well as eleven V105-3.45 MW turbines in 3.6 MW Power Optimised Mode at Noheji Mutsuwan Wind Farm.

With a robust design for tough wind sites, the turbine variants are well-suited for the sites’ challenging climatic conditions and all turbines will feature customised 94m towers to accommodate seismic loads, high turbulence and extreme wind speeds.

Vestas will also provide multi-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreements for both wind farms. With an energy-based availability guarantee, the agreement will ensure optimised performance and long-term business certainty.

Delivery of Vestas’ turbines will begin in the first quarter of 2021 with commissioning scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Vestas installed its first turbines in Japan in 1995 and has since then installed a total of 650 MW, making Vestas the leading wind energy provider in the Japanese market.

In Vietnam, Vestas has won an 84 MW order to supply, transport, install and commission a total of 20 V150-4.2 MW wind turbines, in which it worked closely with the customer to customise a solution featuring V150-4.2 MW turbines at a hub height of 145 metres to help optimise the wind energy production for the project.

The order takes Vestas’ firm order intake for the V150-4.2 MW in Vietnam to over 600 MW since its first order win in March of last year, underlining the turbine variant’s excellent fit to deliver high and efficient energy production in Vietnam’s low to medium wind speeds.

The project and customer are undisclosed, but the construction of the project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2021, ahead of the current wind feed-in tariff deadline in Vietnam.

Norwegian Bliss Conveyance Photos

The Norwegian Bliss departed Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, last night for her conveyance along the Ems River, and is arriving at Eemshaven, Netherlands, on Wednesday, according to Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“Today marks another historical moment for Norwegian Bliss, the most highly anticipated ship of the Norwegian Breakaway Plus class, the most successful class of our company’s history,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “When she arrives into Seattle in June, guests will be excited to experience many new first-at-sea activities, including the largest two-level race track at sea, new dining experiences, such as Q Texas Smokehouse and Coco’s a chocolate and treat shop, the Tony Award-Winning Broadway Show Jersey Boys and much more for guests to explore.”

Measuring 994 feet long, 136 feet wide, and at a gross registered tonnage of 168,028, she embarked on her journey down the Ems River and up to the North Sea in reverse, making the narrow passage through Meyer Werft’s sea lock, with less than four feet clearance.

This very careful manoeuvre took about two hours at a speed of only 0.2 knots, the company said.

The navigation crew included a team of experienced Ems River pilots, navigation officers, the yard captain and the local German waterway authorities.

After passing through the sea lock, the Norwegian Bliss continued along the river stern first,.

Her journey to Eemshaven included cruising through the narrow passages of the Friesenbrücke Bridge in Weener; Jann Berghaus Bridge in Leer; and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum.

When she arrives at Eemshaven, she will take on additional provisions and crew members, before heading toward the North Sea for technical and nautical sea trials. This will be one of the final phases, before Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery on April 19, 2018, in Bremerhaven, Germany. 

Norwegian Bliss Sailing Toward Open Seas

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss departed Meyer Werft, the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and sailed backwards on the narrow Ems River on its way to the North Sea. It was expected to arrive at Eemshaven, Netherlands, on the evening of March 14.

Norwegian Bliss will offer seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle throughout the summer.

The ship will feature many first-at-sea activities, including the largest two-level race track at sea, Q Texas Smokehouse, Coco’s chocolate and treat shop, and the Tony Award-winning Broadway show “Jersey Boys.”

Measuring 994 feet long, 136 feet wide, and at a gross tonnage of 168,028, the Norwegian Bliss made the narrow passage through Meyer Werft’s sea lock with less than four feet clearance. This very careful manoeuvre took about two hours at a speed of only 0.2 knots.

After passing through the sea lock, Norwegian Bliss continued along the river stern first, which helps with the manoeuvrability of the ship and is a key component when navigating through such narrow passages. The journey to Eemshaven included cruising through the narrow passages of the Friesenbrücke Bridge in Weener; Jann Berghaus Bridge in Leer; and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum.

Norwegian Bliss as seen on AIS in Eemshaven

Upon arrival in Eemshaven, the ship will take on additional provisions and crew members, before heading toward the North Sea for technical and nautical sea trials. This will be one of the final phases before Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of its 16th ship on April 19 in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Norwegian Bliss will then begin passage across the Atlantic Ocean on April 21 and will arrive in the U.S. on May 3 for an inaugural tour. Events will take place in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, and will conclude with a christening ceremony on May 30 at the new Pier 66 at the Port of Seattle.

Norwegian Bliss will begin seven-day Alaska cruises June 2. In the fall, it will cruise to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. In winter of 2018, it will sail to the Caribbean from Miami, and in the 2019 fall/winter season, she will cruise from New York City to Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Damen Entrusted with MSC Magnifica’s Refit

Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, has been awarded a cruise repair and maintenance contract from MSC Cruises.

The 2010-built cruise ship MSC Magnifica arrived in Rotterdam on October 20 and is berthed at the yard’s largest drydock, where the ship is expected to stay for 18 days.

The repair scope includes extensive steelwork, cleaning, painting and replacement piping, as well as the entire renewal of the rudder system.

The vessel is 293 m long and has a capacity for more than 2,500 passengers.

Khalil Benjelloul, Cruise Vessels Product Manager of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, said  that the project is certainly a challenge given the timeframe. “During the drydocking the 700-strong crew will largely stay on the vessel and they have to be able to carry out their normal activities safely, so it is quite a logistical operation. 

At the same time, there could be up to 300 of our workers and subcontractors dealing with the project.”

 

“Rotterdam was the preferred yard because it offers the large capacity needed and additionally, the MSC Magnifica will sail straight on to Hamburg, where she picks up her passengers for her next cruise.

 

“Every hour is needed to get the vessel ready on time. For the cruise industry, getting the job done within the deadline is crucial. We cannot have thousands of passengers waiting.”

Press Release