By
Alice Chambers |
A&P Falmouth shipyard in the UK has completed a multimillion-pound refurbishment project on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ flagship Bolette, the first passenger ship of its size (237 metres long, with 12 decks) to undergo work at the yard for 63 years.
Bolette, formerly known as Amsterdam, debuted in 2000 and needed maintenance work on its Azipods and bow thrusters, as well as a new application of underwater paint.
The shipyard began working on the vessel on 23 February 2023 and finished on 7 March 2023.
“I would like to thank the team here at A&P Falmouth for taking good care of our flagship Bolette during her time in dry dock,” said Peter Deer, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “Our ships and our team have a longstanding relationship with the community of Falmouth. We know it is a port that our guests love to explore with us, and are looking forward to offering further visits this year.”
The project represents a return of the line to A&P Falmouth, following work on Balmoral in May 2022, applying steel inserts, ship-side valves, tunnel thrusters and underwater paint.
“We are really pleased to be further supporting the Falmouth economy by working with the team at A&P to maintain and refurbish our ships, and in particular providing their apprentices with new experience and opportunity,” added Deer.
There were 32 apprentices among the 500+ A&Pteam assigned to the project.
“It is fantastic to welcome Fred. Olsen’s Bolette into A&P Falmouth,” said David McGinley, CEO of A&P Falmouth. “Projects such as these help us to sustain our workforce, apprenticeship programme and supply chain which drives prosperity and adds real social value to the South West of England. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, welcoming their cruise ships for dry dockings across our Group.”
Bolette will operate on its spring and summer season from Newcastle, UK.