The cruise ship Odyssey of the Seas for the American cruise line Royal Caribbean International (Miami) is scheduled to leave Papenburg on Saturay, 27 February 2020, and be conveyed on the Ems to Eemshaven (NL). From there, the ship will set off for technical and nautical sea trials in the North Sea. The delivery of the ship is planned for the next few weeks and will take place in close cooperation with the cruise line.
"The conveyance of such a beautiful ship makes me reflect. By stretching the order book, we are securing work in the long term but at a lower level each year. For the last and also the next five years, we will have 40% less work each year," said Jan Meyer, Managing Director of MEYER WERFT.
"We are working hard to adjust to this dramatic change in the situation. Even though some cruise ships will soon be able to sail again, this does not mean new orders by a long shot," adds Jan Meyer. Meyer Werft will not be able to expect any new orders for large cruise ships from its existing major customers for many years.
"The Odysse of the Seas has become a beautiful ship with some new improvements. Now we can concentrate on sea trials," says Thorsten Kroes, project manager at MEYER WERFT.
The Odyssey of the Seas will be sailing backwards again in the direction of the North Sea with the assistance of two tugs. This type of transfer has proven to be a good choice due to its better maneuverability.
The following schedule applies to the Ems passage, which may be postponed at short notice depending on weather and tidal conditions:
Saturday, 27 February 2021
approx. 03:30 Ship in waiting position (Papenburg)
approx. 04:00 Passing the sea lock (Papenburg)
approx. 08:45 Passing the Friesenbrücke (Weener)
approx. 12:00 Passing the Jann-Berghaus Brücke (Leer)
Sunday, 28 February 2021
approx. 00:30 Passage Ems barrier (Gandersum)
approx. 01:00 Ship turning
All information is subject to wind and weather conditions, water levels and therefore without guarantee. Time shifts are possible at short notice!
The transfer of the ship is carried out by the team of the Pilot Brotherhood Emden. The number of people on board is significantly reduced, taking into account the Corona prevention. The transfer team always trains the manoeuvre on the computer-controlled simulator in Wageningen (Netherlands) to be even better prepared. The passage of the Spirit of Adventure over the Ems will be carried out with the support of the Ems barrier. Further information on the barrage can be found at www.nlwkn.niedersachsen.de.
The 169,000 gross tonnage cruise ship is the firth ship of a series MEYER WERFT is building for the cruise line Royal Caribbean International.
