Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 6 MARKETWATCH Meyer Turku expands partnership with Aalto University P&O Cruises Australia is to convert Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess into Pacific Adventure before she joins the fleet in 2020. The renovation and rebrand of the 3,100-guest ship will take place at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore, at which point she will reposition to Australia this October. During the renovation, third-party contractors will refit the ship with new onboard highlights, including live music venue The Blue Room and a multi- deck adult-only Oasis retreat featuring sun lounges, spa tubs, a swimming pool and dedicated bar. Read more on page 201. Golden Princess to be converted by P&O Cruises Australia NEWBUILD MILESTONES Austal Australia launched trimaran ferry Bajamar Express on 4 February 2020, ahead of her delivery to Fred. Olsen Express in the spring. Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras was floated out at Meyer Turku’s shipyard on 24 January. She will become the largest ship in the fleet following her delivery in October. Celebrity Cruises cut the first steel for the third Edge-class ship, Celebrity Beyond, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. She is set for delivery in autumn 2021. Photo: Austal Photo: Meyer Turku Photo: Celebrity Cruises Meyer Turku has signed an agreement to extend its collaboration with Aalto University in Finland. The two organisations will increase the number of projects and joint seminars they offer to students, and expand research on topics including hydrodynamics, ship safety and energy efficiency. This will include the university’s MarineX project being developed into a new research forum for the maritime industry. In addition, career opportunities at the shipyard will be publicised on the university campus. BC Ferries has awarded Polish shipbuilder Remontowa Shipbuilding with a US$69.7 million contract to construct an additional LNG-fuelled vessel, identical to three pervious ferries constructed in 2016. She is scheduled to enter service in the Canadian Southern Gulf Island in 2022. BC Ferries awards contract for new Salish-class vessel