Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line’s second Pinnacle Class ship, has succesfully completed two sets of sea trials off the Italian coast.
The newbuilding returned to Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy on August 22.
Nieuw Statendam left Marghera on August 10 and performed the first set of sea trials over two days before going into dry dock at Fincantieri’s Trieste shipyard, where the trial’s data was reviewed and standard hull maintenance was performed.
The 99,500-ton ship sailed its second sea trials on August 18, making its way back to Marghera where the finishing touches will be completed.
“The sea trials are a highly anticipated milestone for any newbuild because it takes us one step closer to delivery, and we’re thrilled that Nieuw Statendam gave a strong performance out in open water,” Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president, commented.
During the sea trials, the 300-meter-long Nieuw Statendam underwent a series of performance tests on the ship’s systems, machinery and engines. The shipyard’s team of nautical officers, naval architects and builders tested the ship’s maneuvering characteristics and safety systems.
Due for delivery in December 2018, Nieuw Statendam will explore the Caribbean in winter and then move to northern Europe, Iceland and the Mediterranean in summer during its inaugural year.
The 2,666-passenger, 99,500-ton ship will reflect the ongoing evolution of Holland America Line. While much of the ship’s design will be similar to Koningsdam, the first Pinnacle Class ship, Nieuw Statendam will have public spaces and its own style.