Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

1 3 7 As a relative newcomer to the business, West enjoyed a first visit to the Romanian yard during the launch of AmaSiena, “I was introduced to the shipbuilders, facilities and processes during a tour of the yard,” she says. “The presence of women with distinguished roles at the shipyard, and their tradition of dressing up for the launch ceremonies, really struck me.” West was encouraged by the yard’s commitment to diversity but its skilled contingent of women came as a welcome surprise. “It’s uncommon for women to work in shipbuilding and I was impressed by the shipyard’s support of their skills and culture,” she explains. “The painting department is led by, and entirely made up of, women and the yard’s most skilled welders are women. I am very proud of their contribution to our new, beautiful ships.” Severnav has followed AmaWaterways’ innovative lead, recently implementing new welding technology. “In total, 10 per cent of AmaSiena was welded by the shipyard’s new welding robot and, once the technology was proven, it was used for 40 per cent of AmaLucia,” says West. “It’s a significant technical innovation for the yard and I’m proud that our ships have proven the success of this technology.” AmaLucia will follow AmaSiena into the European fleet in 2021, and despite the common hull form, both will have a unique character. “AmaLucia is now being transported to Holland to begin outfitting,” says West. “Every one of AmaWaterways ships are designed as an evolution of the previous ships, furnished with unique colours and patterns to give each vessel its own personality.” West is conscious of Schreiner’s legacy of thoughtful design evolution from ship to ship: “In 2019, we launched AmaMagna and AmaMora, each exhibiting successful innovations that have been incorporated in the design of AmaSiena and AmaLucia.” This tradition applies equally with AmaWaterways’ approach to interior design. “The al fresco restaurant onboard AmaMagna, which became a favourite venue with breathtaking views from the bow of the ship, has been adapted and planned for AmaSiena,” comments West. “AmaMora departed from the rounded shapes used in the layout and furniture of her predecessors, featuring square shapes instead. AmaSiena is being built with lessons learned from both versions, a sort of hybrid design. One of the developments introduced by AmaMora that is being included in AmaSiena is the more spacious design of the Chef’s Table restaurant in the aft.” AmaMagna’s al fresco restaurant is popular with guests thanks to its panoramic views and high-quality cuisine