EMEA News
AIDA Cruises Takes Delivery of Bunker-Saving Dual Fuel, Air Lubricated AIDAprima
AIDA Cruises (AIDA) Monday announced that it has taken delivery of its new fuel-saving vessel, the AIDAprima, from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) in Nagasaki, Japan.
The ship is said to be equipped with a Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System for improved fuel efficiency, and features a scrubber system as well as dual fuel capability for use with traditional bunkers, or a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel supply system.
"AIDAprima is the first ship of an entirely new AIDA product family. With creativity and great innovativeness, our team has managed to implement our high standards in terms of product quality and environmental friendliness in an exemplary and impressive way," said Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group.
The AIDAprima will bring AIDA's fleet to a total of 11 vessels, and is slated to be placed on a service of seven-day round trips within Western Europe, including Hamburg - the vessel's home port - London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, effective April 30, 2016.
"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 for passengers," said Shunichi Miyanaga, President and CEO of MHI.
Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, commenting on the company's new addition, said "with our new flagship and the three newbuilds to follow, the company will continue to provide important growth impulses for the German cruise market."
Last year, it was reported that Carnival Corporation & plc (Carnival) said the AIDAprima was "expected to be one of the most technically advanced and sustainable cruise ships ever built."
Earlier this month, Ship & Bunker reported that Carnival Maritime GmbH (Carnival Maritime) had announced a new bunker saving collaboration with the Hamburg Vessel Coordination Center (HVCC) that is intended to achieve fuel savings through improved movements of vessels in the Port of Hamburg and the narrow river Elbe.
