Germany: Two Luxury Cruise Ships Get Extensive Renovation

Recently, luxury cruise liner “MS Oriana” of P&O CRUISES was floated into Dock 11 of Blohm + Voss Repair. Four weeks are required to complete the overhaul and renovation work. On December 17, 2011, the „MS Oriana“ is scheduled to leave Hamburg.

The extensive renovation covers various areas. Among other things, the „MS Oriana“ will be provided with a so-called „duck tail“ to improve the stabilization of the hull at sea and, thus, the comfort of the passengers. This conversion measure allows a higher number of cabins and, in addition, some public rooms will also be converted into inside and outside cabins. The pool area will be modernized and upgraded with a new pool bar and lounge areas.

The maintenance work also includes the removal and overhaul of the propulsion shafts at the stern. Furthermore, the engines, machinery and pipework will be overhauled or renewed respectively as well as the electrical and monitoring systems. Finally, the tank will be emptied, cleaned and inspected. Last but not least, numerous minor steelwork will be performed.

On November 26, 2011, at about 3.00 h, the „Queen Mary 2“ is expected to be floated into dry dock ELBE 17 of Blohm + Voss Repair. After 2005, twice in 2006 and 2008, this is the fifth time the “Queen Mary 2″ is at Blohm + Voss. The overhaul and renovation job to be completed on time before the eighth anniversary of the ship in 2012 includes the laying of new carpets and the replacement of curtains and bedcovers. Of course, comprehensive maintenance work and inspections as well as inspections by the classification society will be performed. The “Queen” is scheduled to leave the yard on December 5 at about 12.00 h.

The overhaul comprises, among others, work in all cabins, the Queens and Princess Grill Restaurant, the Golden Lion Pub, the Commodore Club, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, the Sir Samuel’s, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, the kids club „The Zone“ and the toddlers play area „The Play Zone“.

During the 10-day overhaul, new carpets will be laid in an area as large as 10 football grounds and about 29 km of fabric consisting of more than 6,000 individual items will be arranged by more than 1000 workers of Blohm + Voss Repair and its subcontractors. 50 of them will board the ship already in Southampton on November 24, 2011 to make preparations.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is a leading European systems house providing submarines, naval surface ships and premium segment yachts to customers globally. The company’s outstanding shipbuilding competence includes repairs, services, and ships’ components. With its headquarters in Hamburg, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is part of the Marine Systems business area within the ThyssenKrupp Group.

[mappress]

World Maritime News Staff, November 24, 2011