It has been several months since covid-19 became a global pandemic. One side effect to ripple through the cruise interiors industry was the temporary closure, or slowing of work, at shipyards. Now, global lockdown restrictions are lifting and people all around the world are slowly going back to work.
We got in touch with some of the major shipyards involved in building and refitting cruise ships and super yachts and asked them to update us on their current operationality. So, here is our comprehensive round up of the current status of shipyards around the world. If you’ve wanted to know, ‘which shipyards are open?’, this is the place to find out. All information in this article is true as of 4 June 2020.
Blohm + Voss have released a statement on their current operationality. They are open but have put regulations in place in accordance with the specifications of the German health authorities and the advice of the Robert Koch institute. They have said, ‘we are in close contact with the regulatory bodies on a daily basis so that we can reassess the situation on site each day and ensure we adjust our operating procedures at short notice if necessary. Throughout the ongoing situation, we have continued to operate all our North German shipyards, including Blohm+Voss.
Brodosplit has continued work and is operational. They launched polar expedition ship Ultramarine in mid-May. At the launch ceremony President of the Management Board of Brodosplit, Tomislav Debeljak, thanked workers for completing this project during the challenging conditions.
Damen’s yards are now all open and fully operational. Some precautionary safety measures are in place across certain shipyards. Damen have delivered several vessels throughout the pandemic period, including three in May alone.
Derecktor was deemed essential business by the state of Florida and has remained open and fully operational, with stringent preventative measures in place.
Helsinki Shipyard is operational. Around 80 per cent of their designers and office-based staff have been working from home and they have introduced on-site protective measures for their remaining staff. In April steel was cut on two luxury expedition vessels.
Fincantieri opened their doors in a reduced capacity in April and are now fully operational. They have reported that they expect no projects to be cancelled as a result of the international pandemic. Fincantieri recently launched the second of Virgin Voyages’ new fleet, Valiant Lady.
Kuzey Star is fully operational, with some preventative measures in place to ensure the safety of their staff. In April they docked M/V Dolce Vita on time.
MB92 Barcelona and its sister site La Ciotat resumed operations in April under a gradual escalation of activities. Staff returned to work under a series of protective protocols. Although they would usually be reaching the end of their peak season, they currently have 19 yachts undergoing project work, with more arrivals expected.
Meyer Werft is operational, with preventative measures in place which include new rules for entering and exiting the shipyard and adjusted shift times and durations. As of 11 June 2020 Meyer Werft will be reopening their visitor centre under altered conditions. Meyer Werft have recently recommenced work on P&O Cruise’s newbuild Iona. The vessel, which underwent final outfitting in Bremerhaven, will be undergoing inspection work in Rotterdam.
Sefine is fully operational. Thanks to guidance from the Turkish government they have lifted the 14 day quarantine for incoming ships. As of 1st June, all travel restrictions in Turkey are lifted. Among other completed projects Sefine recently delivered car and passenger ferry Sildafjord to Fjord1 ASA.
Tersan is fully operational. Thanks to guidance from the Turkish government they have lifted the 14 day quarantine for incoming ships. As of 1st June, all travel restrictions in Turkey are lifted. Tersan have continued work throughout lockdown, completing several projects and recently cutting steel on NB1097 hybrid powered double ended car and passenger ferry.
Save the date! Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe will be held in the ExCel Centre, London, 2-3 December 2020.