GBSL’s skills and facilities have helped it to win multiple cruise ship repair and refit orders for 2016
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Located in Freeport, Bahamas, Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBSL) is a respected repair yard known for delivering vessels on time and often ahead of schedule.
To date, GBSL has 20 cruise vessels booked for 2016. The drydocks are typically booked at least two years in advance to allow for planning and communication between the yard and clients. This year, the scope of work will include significant propulsion and technical system upgrades, significant interior refurbishments to guest accommodation and public spaces, and the addition of onboard entertainment facilities.
Holland American Line’s (HAL) 55,575gt Maasdam was the first to enter GBSL’s drydock in 2016, where she was fitted with new port and starboard rudders, upgraded thrusters, scrubbers and additional diesel generators (ADG). HAL will return with Veendam and Prinsendam later this year.
Mid-January marked the arrival of Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey, which underwent a 14-day interior refit and general repairs, and Royal Caribbean International’s 154,407gt Liberty of the Seas, which underwent a series of general repairs and modifications. The vessel now features additional cabins on Deck 12, a water park, upgraded Azipods, a new scrubber and a converted tank system. Similar repairs were executed on Navigator of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas will also drydock at GBSL for similar work later this year.
Carnival Cruise Line will also will dock seven vessels at GBSL in 2016, namely Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Magic, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Liberty. Highlights of the work will include significant upgrades to public spaces and guest accommodation onboard all of the ships, as well as ADG installations on Carnival Magic, Splendor and Valor.
Other notable cruise ships will include P&O Cruises’ Adonia, Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Dawn, Celebrity Cruise Lines’ Celebrity Summit, Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess and MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina.
GBSL relishes the opportunity to service the vessels owned and/or operated by the major players in the cruise industry.These commitments are a testament to the stellar performance of the shipyard. GBSL continues to invest in facility upgrades to accommodate the ever increasing demands of this major business sector for the yard.