By
Rebecca Gibson |
German shipyard Blohm + Voss has installed a scrubber onboard AIDA Cruises’ AIDAluna during a scheduled maintenance drydock in Hamburg.
Installed as the first part of a new comprehensive filter and gas exhaust treatment system, the scrubber will help AIDAluna reduce sulphur oxide emissions by around 90%. Further elements of the exhaust gas treatment system – which was developed by Carnival Group and integrates all of the main exhaust cleaning stages for the first time – will be installed in due course.
During the extensive drydock, which took place between 26 April and 5 May, Blohm + Voss also carried out scheduled maintenance work on the ship’s stabilizers, steering gear, body and machinery. The yard also refreshed the ship’s public areas and staterooms, replacing flooring – including 2,000 sq m of carpets –and cleaning the upholstery, paintwork and leather.
In addition, AIDA installed a facial recognition system at the photo shop, which enables guests to scan their boarding cards and select which images they would like to print as a memento. By digitising this process, AIDA aims to reduce photo paper and printing chemicals consumption by around 50%. The photo shop’s printing technology has been upgraded, while the display cabinets were also refurbished.
On 9 May, AIDAluna will dock at the Cruise Center Hafencity West to celebrate Hamburg Port’s anniversary celebration, before sailing a four-day cruise to Amsterdam and London, UK.