Grand Bahama Shipyard Reports Busy 2016

GBSL said it performed work on 20 cruise vessels during 2016, with scope of works included significant propulsion and technical systems overhauls, hull treatment, accommodations and public spaces upgrades and the addition of onboard attraction facilities.

The trend continues: for 2017, GBSL has confirmed 23 cruise vessels scheduled for refit, refurbishment or revitalization from its customer base.

The first cruise ship to enter dry-dock in 2016 was Holland America Line’s Maasdam, followed by two vessels from HAL fleet: Veendam in March and Prinsendam in May. Works on these vessels included scrubber and ADG installations, thruster overhauls, steel works and extensive hull treatment. 

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line dry-docked four vessels in 2016 for overhauls and upgrades. The first of three to enter GBSL for major works was the Liberty of the Seas, which received modifications and additions in late January. Cabins were added to its deck 12 structure, as well as the installation of a waterpark. On the technical side, azipods were overhauled, major tank conversions performed, general repairs undertaken and a scrubber system installed. This was followed by an April visit of Jewel of the Seas and a Post Hurricane Matthew October dry docking for Adventure of the Seas. All three vessels received the same scope of work. 

Azamara Journey, also operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, entered dry-dock mid-January for a 14-day repair period to include an extensive interior refit facilitated by GBSL.

The March visit of Celebrity Cruise Lines’ Celebrity Summit to Dry Dock 3 included major hull and topside treatment as well as the complete fabrication and refit of crew cabins along with stabilizer overhaul.

Carnival Cruise Line dry-docked seven vessels at GBSL in 2016. In February, the first to arrive was Carnival Fantasy followed by Carnival Magic in Dry Dock 2. March welcomed Carnival Splendor followed by Carnival Triumph also to Dry Dock 2. In April Carnival Valor was followed by a May dry docking of Carnival Sunshine, then concluding the year with a December dry docking for Carnival Liberty. Significant works were planned and executed for each vessel, highlights including ADG installation on the Magic, Splendor and Valor, plus various accommodations and public space upgrades performed on all vessels.

P&O’s Adonia received a complete ship rebranding which required complete hull and topside UHP blasting, coating and then painting to convert to the new Fathom brand. This vessel was the first to visit Cuba in 2016.

Princess Cruise Line’s Coral Princess received a new scrubber, steel work performed by the skilled GBSL team of multinational, certified welders upgraded the hull to the new Panama Canal standards. Life boats received maintenance. Significant hull and topside treatment to include UHP blasting followed by coatings and paint were also completed.

Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Dawn visited Dock 2 for an extensive 27-day work period to include complete hull and topside treatment, stabilizers overhaul and Azipod repairs.

For the first time, GBSL welcomed in September a member of the esteemed Mediterranean Shipping Co. Cruise Fleet, the MSC Divina that received general work.

“To meet the needs of our customers, we are dedicated to continual upgrades to our yard, and our services,” said GBSL VP Sales and Marketing, Graham Couser. “In 2016 significant investments included facility upgrades and purchasing of new machinery and tooling adding to our workshops’ capabilities. We have further expanded our facility with capital improvements to the North Beach Wharf. Plans are afoot in 2017 for additional developments and expansions to our South Beach and East Beach areas.”