Cruise repair contract for Damen Rotterdam

The 2,500-plus passenger capacity ship berthed at the yard’s largest drydock, 307m in length, for an 18-day period starting from 20 October. The tight timescale involves extensive steelwork, cleaning, painting and replacement piping, as well as the entire renewal of the rudder system.

Khalil Benjelloul, cruise vessels product manager, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, said the group is delighted to welcome the vessel to Rotterdam and explained that the project is certainly a challenge given the timeframe. “During the drydocking the 700-strong crew will largely stay on the vessel and they have to be able to carry out their normal activities safely, so it is quite a logistical operation. At the same time, there could be up to 300 of our workers and subcontractors dealing with the project.”

On completion, Magnifica will sail to Hamburg, where she picks up passengers for her next cruise. Mr Benjelloul added: “Every hour is needed to get the vessel ready on time. For the cruise industry, getting the job done within the deadline is crucial. We cannot have thousands of passengers waiting.” We are honoured that MSC Cruises has shown such faith in Damen Shiprepair & Conversion and trusts us to deliver what we promised.”