Stamford, Connecticut: The cruise industry will reach new heights and break new barriers in the months and years to come. The ships are getting bigger than ever before. The safety aspects are based on the latest knowledge and the best available technology.
DNV has for years been at the forefront in assisting shipowners and yards in developing new cruise ships and new requirements for the benefit of their passengers. The world’s largest cruise ship – the Freedom of the Seas – which will be launched next month, is classed by DNV.
The Freedom of the Seas is 339 metres long, 158,000 gros tons, and will carry 3,600 passengers. This ship is the first of three ships in the new Freedom serie. All three vessels are to be classed by DNV. Through a close collaboration involving the Royal Caribbean, Aker Yard and DNV, the new ships will be the most head-turning, innovative, safe and forward-looking ships ever.
“The Freedom serie is breaking new barriers,” says Karl Morten Wiklund, director of DNV’s passenger ship. “It’s not only the attractions on board that are spectacular; all the safety aspects are based on the latest knowledge and the best available technology. However the cruise industry will continue to climb to even greater heights.”
“The Freedom of the Seas is a novel design concept beyond traditonal industry practice, a hallmark of DNV classed cruise vessels, adds Paal Johansen, district manager, Gulf and Caribbean.
Even bigger cruise vessels to come
In three years’ time, the next generation of cruise ships will be launched. Royal Caribbean has signed an order with Aker Yards to build a new vessel, the Project Genesis. This is the most valuable ship ever ordered. It will measure 360 metres (1,181 feet) in length and 47 metres across, and will be able to carry 5,400 passengers. The price will be more than USD 1 billion.
DNV has been a “partner” in this novel development from day one.