Sixth newbuild in six years showcases environmentally friendly technologies and interiors
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Germany-based cruise operator TUI Cruises delivered its new and improved Mein Schiff 2 in Kiel, Germany on 22 January 2019. The company’s sixth newbuild in six years showcases environmentally conscious technologies and interiors.
This new version of Mein Schiff 2 was contracted in 2015 and built at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Turku, Finland.
“After Mein Schiff 4 we had new ideas about how to make our ships better, especially regarding improvements to the design,” said Jan Meyer, managing director at Meyer Werft.
These improvements aim to reduce the cruise industry’s impact on the environment. For example, Mein Schiff 2 features a hybrid scrubber which washes out the ship’s exhausts, reducing the production of carbon dioxide and pollutant emissions. The water used to do this is then cleaned so that it can be used elsewhere in the ship.
“For us, it was again exciting to cooperate with TUI Cruises so as to further develop the concept and use our expertise in ship design and technology to build a better, more energy-efficient and customer-friendly ship,” said Meyer.
According to Meyer, the ship also uses up to 40% less energy than other ships of a comparable size, which is enabled by a comprehensive energy management system, the ships’ hydrodynamic hull shape, a more efficient air conditioning system and optimising the space onboard.
The ship also features fabrics made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and all wooden furnishings in the cabins are responsibly sourced from forestry schemes, certified with the FSC Mix label.
“The launch of the new Mein Schiff 2 marks the successful conclusion of our expansion through newbuilds. Our sixth vessel built by Meyer Turku does not only feature an impressive design, but also offers convincing ‘inner values’. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, we are setting standards in terms of environmental protection,” said Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.
The new Mein Schiff 2 departed from Kiel on 23 January for her inaugural sailings. She will sail from Bremerhaven on 3 February for a twelve-day christening itinerary, and will then call at Lisbon, Portugal for three days for her naming ceremony before continuing her itinerary to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Cadiz, Spain and Arrecife, Lanzarote.