MHI Delivers World’s First LNG Powered – Air Lubricated Ship

2008

AIDAprima, the first new-generation cruise ship, was delivered to AIDA Cruises and set sail from the Nagasaki Shipyard heading to Hamburg, Germany.

During a formal ceremony in Nagasaki on Monday, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) completed delivery of the AIDAprima, the first of two large cruise ships being built for AIDA Cruises at MHI’s Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works.  The vessel sets sail from the shipyard to Hamburg after the ceremony.

The AIDAprima is scheduled to commence its first regular cruise from Hamburg on April 30, including port stops in Rotterdam (Netherlands), Zeebrugge (Belgium), Le Havre (France) and Southampton (United Kingdom).  Its official public presentation in Europe will take place at a christening ceremony to be held on May 7 as part of the 827th Hamburg Port Anniversary celebrations taking place from May 5 through 8.

Highlights of AIDAprima:

  • The world’s first cruise ship equipped with the “Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System” (MALS)1, MHI’s proprietary technology that enhances fuel efficiency.
  • Other cutting-edge technologies that can:
    • Save energy
    • Increase automation
    • Reduce manpower needs
  • It includes:
    • Pod propulsion system2.
    • Liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel supply system.
    • The latest gas emissions treatment system.
    • A new air-conditioning system that saves on energy consumption by using waste heat.

Specifications:

  • Length: 300 meters
  • Width: 37.6 meters
  • Max. draft: 8.00 m
  • Gross tonnage: 124,100 GT
  • Number of staterooms: 1,643
  • Restaurants: 12
  • Bars: 18
  • Crew members: over 900
  • Passengers: 3,300
  • Classification: DNV GL

The ceremony was attended by Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group and Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, representing the new owner and Shunichi Miyanaga, President and CEO and Yoichi Kujirai, Senior Executive Vice President and President/CEO of Commercial Aviation & Transportation Systems, representing MHI.

Shunichi Miyanaga, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry President and CEO commented: “We are proud to deliver AIDAprima, the first of a new generation of energy-efficient cruise ships superbly equipped to provide a fantastic cruising experience.  Given the cutting-edge nature of the ship, construction was challenging but ultimately we built a cruise ship of the very highest quality, offering superior comfort and entertainment features for passengers.  It provided us with many key learnings to enable a smoother construction process for future vessels – starting with AIDAprima’s sister ship.”

Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purpose only. This may not be construed as a news item or advice of any sort. Please consult the experts in that field for the authenticity of the presentations.

Video: Neotorious Cruises on YouTube

Source: MHI Global