Cruise Repair to Keep GBSL Busy in 2016

Repair yard Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited (GBSL) is in store for a busy year, with 20 cruise vessels booked for repair, maintenance and overhaul work in 2016. The scope of projects includes propulsion and technical systems overhaul, accommodations and public space upgrades and the addition of attraction facilities onboard. 

These vessels are typically booked at least two years in advance to allow for planning and communication between the yard and clients.

The first cruise ship to enter GBSL’s dry-dock in 2016 is Holland America Line operated Maasdam, a 55,575 GT vessel laid up for scrubber and ADG installations, overhaul of two thrusters and refit of the port and starboard rudders. Following Maasdam, Holland America Line will return to the yard with an additional two vessels from their fleet, Veendam and Prinsendam.

Several vessels operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will receive overhauls and upgrades in 2016. The 154,407 GT Liberty of the Seas will undergo modifications and additions in late January. Cabins will be added to its deck 12 structure, as well as, the installation of a state of the art waterpark. On the technical side, azipods will be overhauled, major tank conversions will be performed, general repairs undertaken and a scrubber system installed. Similar repairs were executed in 2015 on Navigator of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas. Later in 2016, Jewel of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas will receive the same scope of work. Also operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Azamara Journey, will enter dry-dock mid January for a 14-day repair period to include an extensive interior refit.

In 2016 Carnival Cruise Line will have seven vessels docked at GBSL, namely, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Magic, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Liberty. The yard said significant work is planned for each vessel, including ADG installation on the Magic, Splendor and Valor, plus various accommodations and public space upgrades will be performed on all vessels.

Other notable cruise ships scheduled to receive work at the GBSL yard this year include P&O’s Adonia, Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Dawn, Celebrity Cruise Lines’ Celebrity Summit, Princess Cruise Line’s Coral Princess and Mediterranean Shipping Co.’s MSC Divina.