By
Rebecca Gibson |
Carnival Cruise Lines has implemented a programme to enhance emergency power capabilities, introduce new fire safety technology, and improve the level of operating redundancies across its fleet.
The programme is the result of a comprehensive operational review, which was initiated after the Carnival Triumph fire in February 2013, and is expected to cost more than £200 million.
The line aims to reinforce key shipboard operating systems to prevent a potential loss of primary power, as well as to expand the availability of hotel services in the event of the loss of main power.
Work is already underway to install an additional emergency generator on each of the line’s 24 vessels in order to allow the stateroom and public toilets, fresh water and lifts to remain operational if the main power is lost.
A second permanent back-up power system is also being installed on each ship to provide expanded cooking facilities and cold food storage, as well as internet and telephone communications services.
“Although every ship in our fleet currently has emergency back-up power, which is designed to enable the continuous operation of safety equipment and some hotel services, it is our intent to significantly bolster that back-up power to support the core hotel services,” said Gerry Cahill, CEO and president of Carnival Cruise Lines.
Carnival’s operational review also identified modifications to decrease the likelihood of losing propulsion or primary power. In order to enhance operating redundancies, the line will reconfigure engine-related electrical components in each ship’s two separate, redundant engine rooms.
Carnival will also install the latest fire prevention, detection and suppression systems and upgrade the existing water mist fire suppression systems on its vessels.
A newly-formed Safety and Reliability Review Board, will provide an additional, independent third-party perspective on marine and occupational safety, reliability and maintenance, marine regulatory compliance and quality control.
The line’s parent company Carnival Corporation & plc has also conducted a corporate-wide operational review of all ten of its brands and will implement the latest technology on its 101 ships. The overall programme of enhancements across the corporation’s fleet, including Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships, is expected to cost between £400 and £500 million.
“Absolutely nothing is more important than the safety and comfort of our guests and crew, and we will use the full resources of our company to meet that commitment,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival.
The initial upgrades will take place during the coming months, while all findings from the operational review will be shared with the Cruise Lines International Association.