Parbuckling of Costa Concordia Begins

Dark Line on Costa Concordia Shows Movement  Source: Chicago Tribune
Watch Live

This image extracted from a live video of Costa Concordia's Parbuckling Procedure, which began today in Giglio, shows the slow process of righting the vessel.  The actual process started around 9 AM this morning after a storm delayed the start.

Related Links:

Attempt to right Costa Concordia cruise ship begins (USA Today)
Graphic on How Costa Concordia will be Raised

The Parbuckling Project: Concordia wreck removal project informative website

The overall project is 77% completed and is being carried out by a crew of 474 workers and 28 vessels and crafts on site. For a video and additional details of the salvage operation, see Costa Concordia Salvage Begins.

Main article: Costa Concordia Listing after Deadly Accident 

Updates from Parbuckling Website:       Multimedia Content

Please Note:   During the actual operations (daytime hours local Giglio time) you may experience problems accessing the Parbuckling Project's website.  It is best to view off-hours.

16 Sep 2013  4.20 P.M. The wreck side has been successfully dislodged from the reef by applying a maximum load of 6,000 tons (in line with forecast), thanks to the force exerted by the strand jacks operating the system of winches and steel chains.  The wreck has now rotated 10 degrees and will need to rotate at least as many before it has completed the first 20 degrees with reference to the initial position which is the approximate point at which the intake valves of the 11 sponsons attached to the port side of the hull reach sea level.

In the meantime the whole parbuckling system is being monitored constantly, with continuous checks – for example – of the condition of the strand jacks and chains, etc.

7.00 P.M.:The Titan Micoperi consortium announced that strandjack operations were temporarily suspended for an hour for maintenance work. It was in fact necessary to intervene with a dedicated team to avoid slack cables from interfering with the tensioned cables. The ‘Fast Response’ team is comprised of 8 people ready to intervene for checking purposes or in the event of anomalies. As foreseen by the operating and site procedures, access onboard was via a specifically positioned ladder, and safety checks were carried out. The team who intervened are all qualified to work on the wreck, are equipped with climbing gear and protective devices as necessary. Parbuckling operations have now resumed.

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Two Sisters Under Construction

Quantum of the Seas Keel Laying
Photo courtesy Meyer Werft

Royal Caribbean

New Sister-Ships

Construction Milestones

On August 2, 2013, in the German village of Papenburg, the traditional "laying of the keel" took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard for Royal Caribbean's new ship Quantum of the Seas.

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event.  

A 430-ts block was put in place in the yard's covered building dock. Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President Maritime of Royal Caribbean International, put down the lucky penny in the dock before the block of the new ship was lowered by the 800-ts crane. 

The first of a total of 74 blocks of the new cruise liner weighs 430 tons. This keel-laying marks the official start of construction of the Quantum of the Seas. For the time being the 167,800-gt Quantum of the Seas is the biggest ship the shipyard has built so far.

Anthem of the Seas Steel Cutting - Courtesy Meyer Werft

Prior to this the first steel-cutting for her sister ship Anthem of the Seas took place at MEYER WERFT 's laser centre. Delivery of the Anthem of the Seas is scheduled in the spring 2015, that of the Quantum of the Seas as early as in the autumn of 2014.

The Oasis and Allure of the Seas will remain the largest ships in the industry, at 220,000 gt, when these two new ships join the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

The ship will include many of the features from the Oasis-class along with some new innovations such as  a parachuting simulator, bumper cars, virtual balconies and many more.  Studio staterooms will allow solo travelers to enjoy their space, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.
   

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star

A New Princess is Born

WORK BEGINS ON "REGAL PRINCESS" 

New Flagship of 

Princess Cruises Fleet 

The start of construction of the new "Regal Princess" passenger ship was marked with the laying of its keel, weighing approximately 500 tons, during a ceremony held today at the  Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. .
 

Official Start of Construction

We've mentioned on several occasions that the official start of construction of a new ship begins when the first block of steel is laid.   It is known as the laying of the keel.   This tradition includes the laying of a ceremonial coin to bring good fortune.

Regal & Royal Princess

Princess Cruises ordered two ships from Fincantieri shipyard.  "Regal Princess" will be the second of two ships ordered from Fincantieri in 2010, both of which using the same prototype design. It will therefore have the same record-breaking vital statistics as "Royal Princess", the largest ship ever built in Italian shipbuilding history: 141,000 gross tons, with a capacity for 3,600 passengers.

These ships represent a new technological benchmark in Europe and worldwide for their innovative layout, and the outstanding performance and top quality of their state-of-the-art technology.

Regal Princess also takes a name from our past that we think is well suited for this spectacular ship,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “Today’s keel laying is an exciting event as it marks a key milestone in our newbuilding program.”

Following a traditional blessing by a priest, the ship’s keel was moved into position by a huge crane onto the keel blocks. The computer-guided maneuver took only minutes, but is a major accomplishment for Princess Cruises and the shipyard.

Regal Princess will offer many of the same special features as Royal Princess, which debuts in June 2013. Among these are a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

Norwegian Breakaway Keel Laying

Photo courtesy Meyer Werft

Norwegian Breakaway

Officially Under Construction

Papenbug, Germany - Meyer Werft Shipyard

The keel laying of the cruise ship with the yard number S.678 was celebrated at the MEYER WERFT shipyard on Friday, May 4. The first of 73 blocks of the 144,000 GT vessel was lifted into the covered building dock II. 

In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO, laid the traditional "lucky coin", before the block was put down by the 800-ton crane.

The ship's first block that weighs more than 350 tons marks the start of the ship's construction in the yard's building dock. 

Norwegian Breakaway is scheduled for delivery in spring 2013. It is the first of two new ships to be built for Norwegian Cruise Line.  The ship will accommodate 4000 passengers and more than 1500 crew members. 

The shipyard also cut the first piece of steel for the construction of sister ship Norwegian Getaway, which is set for delivery in spring 2014.

Traditional Keel Laying Ceremony

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event. 

 Related Blog Posts:

Introducing Norwegian Breakaway

Celebrity Reflection Construction Begins

Construction Begins On

 Final Celebrity Solstice-Class Ship 

Photo: Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner MEYER WERFT | Dan Hanrahan, CEO Celebrity Cruises | Hermann Lembeck, Produktion Manager MEYER WERFT Laserzentrum | Lambert Kruse, Managing Director MEYER WERFT

Photo: Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner MEYER WERFT | Roswitha Arnett, Hotel Director Celebrity Cruises | Dan Hanrahan, CEO Celebrity Cruises

Steel cutting for Celebrity Reflection

Shipbuilder MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany, has launched the production of the first steel plate for the new giant cruise ship Celebrity Reflection . The fifth ship of the Celebrity Solstice-class will be delivered to Celebrity Cruises, in the autumn of 2012.

Celebrity Reflection offers all the most-loved Solstice Class features along with myriad new ones: more staterooms, new restaurants, expanded onboard activities.  This 126,000 gross ton ship will have a passenger capacity of 3,030 guests.   

What's New?

The Lawn Club Grill

New specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner where you can celebrate the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling. Take a class on pizza-making – including the art of dough-tossing. Learn the secrets of grilling and making marinades. Beverages include wine, buckets of beer and pitchers of sangria. Specialty dining surcharge.

The Porch

An idyllic, new restaurant on The Lawn Club featuring fast and fresh food for breakfast and lunch, fresh-baked bread, pastries and coffees. Salads, paninis, specialty coffees, wine and beer. No dining surcharge.

The Alcoves

A cool, cabana-style private retreat on The Lawn Club for two to four guests. By day, filtered sunlight and breathtaking ocean views. By night, ambient lighting for drama and star status. A la carte foods and beverages arrive in picnic baskets. Alcoves are even equipped with Wi-Fi. Rental fee applies.

Art Studio

A new venue on The Lawn Club that allows intimate, hands-on instruction from resident experts in drawing, painting, beading, drink mixology, culinary lessons, taste tests and chef-prepared dinners.

Michael's Club

Enhanced with a cozy wraparound bar, high-top seating with bar stools and low-top seating in plush banquettes. Libations now include up to 50 international beers – ales, lagers, lambics, ciders, wheat beers, seasonal brews, beer cocktails – as well as an extensive collection of fine whiskeys, scotches, cognacs and bourbons.

The Hideaway

A retreat on Deck 7 where you’ll find a quiet spot to disconnect, rest and relax. Read a book, listen to music, do a crossword puzzle, or explore your new iPad® purchased from the Celebrity iLoungeSM. You can even escape into your own private “treehouse.” The natural, modern design and location give you a great view of the Live Tree in the center atrium.

We will continue to monitor the construction of Celebrity Reflection and share additional insider information as it becomes available.   Looks like Celebrity Cruises has saved the best for last.

Allure of the Seas Begins Atlantic Crossing

Allure of the Seas - Photo Courtesy STX Europe

Farewell Finland

Florida Bound

Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line LTD.,  didn't get much sleep since the previous day's activities ended after midnight and the Allure of the Seas departure from Finland began at 5 AM.   The weather report showed some strong winds building in the morning so Captain Zini decided to schedule an earlier departure from the Turku, Finland shipyard.

Allure of the Seas Wheel House
Photo courtesy of STX Europe

After two years of construction, testing and outfitting, Allure of the Seas is finally ready to make the transatlantic voyage to her home port in Florida! Watch as this incredible ship bids farewell to Turku.

In this video log, Captain Zini reviews the weather and other critical information before ordering the lines to be cast off.   This is the moment everyone has been waiting for.

Just as the Oasis of the Seas did exactly a year ago, the Allure will head into the open Atlantic Ocean to make its way to Florida.   Come back periodically to watch additional videos and learn more about this incredible ship.

For us the anticipation is building as we await our chance to report live from the Allure of the Seas starting November 26th as she embarks on one of the pre-inaugural voyages out of Fort Lauderdale.  But for now, sit back and relax as we watch Captain Zini prepare for Allure's first voyage across the Atlantic.

Video:  Farewell Finland: Allure Begins a Transatlantic Voyage