AIDA Cruises, partners to develop sustainable operations in Kiel

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 26 April 2018 26 April 2018

The Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein, the Federal State capital Kiel, the Seaport of Kiel and AIDA Cruises’ parent cpmpany Costa Group that is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc group came together on 26 April aboard the cruise ship "AIDAluna" to set out the ways in which they will be stepping up their existing collaboration. Their objective is to further develop the maritime infrastructure, the economy, and tourism in northern Germany sustainably and to make them future-proof.

Minister-President Daniel Günther: "With this Declaration of Intent we have taken a big step towards making cruise tourism in the north both more future-proof and environmentally-friendlier." The Federal State intends to financially support the planned construction of the shoreside power plant on the Ostseekai and will be examining grant options. "We will also continue to advocate at federal level for the prorated exemption of shoreside power plants from the levy imposed under the German Renewable Energies Act," the head of the Federal State government said.

Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group & Carnival Asia: "Sustainability, regional value creation and innovation are integral to our activities. We are very pleased that we are able to support the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein and the City of Kiel in making cruise tourism forward-looking and sustainable. I am firmly convinced that this kind of partnership will have a beacon effect for other ports in Germany and in Europe." In 2019 "AIDAprima" will be the first ship to call at the port of Kiel that can be supplied with liquefied natural gas (LNG) while in docked in port in the Baltic region. Furthermore, AIDA Cruises will be fitting out two other cruise ships - "AIDAbella" and "AIDAluna" with shoreside power connections. The aim is that trial operations will begin in Kiel already in 2019. In addition, AIDA Cruises intends that, apart from ships that can be supplied with low-emission LNG or shoreside power while docked in port, it will also deploy cruise ships in the Seaport of Kiel that are fitted with modern exhaust gas cleaning systems.

Federal State Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. Bernd Buchholz: "This is an important step for the widespread acceptance of cruise tourism in Kiel, but also for the cruise company itself because the ships’ carbon footprints will increasingly affect guests’ booking behavior. AIDA is once again a technological pioneer in this area because the fleet’s new-builds are already fitted with LNG-powered generators."

Federal State Secretary of the Environment, Tobias Goldschmidt: "We want to reduce air pollution in ports and their immediate environs by means of various measures. There are already alternatives to conventional on-board power generation with marine diesel, but they are not used on cost grounds. Support measures are required to change that. Apart from the previously mentioned financial support for the provision of the necessary infrastructure in the ports and the prorated exemption of shoreside power from the levy imposed under the German Renewable Energies Act, these measures most notably also include a port charges structure that favors low-emission alternatives. We have furthermore already called on the Federal Government to liaise with the EU Commission on uniform environmental standards - such as maximum values for sulfur content in ship fuels (SECA standards) - in the territorial waters of the Member States. In addition, the foreseen designation of the Baltic, North Sea and English Channel as a NOx (nitrogen oxides) Emission Control Area (NECA) should be expanded to all EU waters."

Dr. Dirk Claus, Managing Director of Seehafen Kiel: "Shoreside power in the cruise industry is a challenge. However, with AIDA Cruises we have found a viable basis for tackling this issue that complements the powering of ships with LNG. We want to set new standards together." The shoreside power connection on the Ostseekai will have a connected load of 12 MW and will be able to supply ships whose on-board power supply has a frequency of 50 Hz and 60 Hz. Kiel’s Mayor Ulf Kämpfer is particularly pleased about the commitment that the Costa Group and AIDA Cruises are making: "Ship exhaust is often also mentioned in the debate on air pollutants from diesel vehicles on Kiel’s roads. For cruise ships to be accepted in Kiel it is important that other cruise companies also devote themselves more to the issues of the environment and sustainability. First liquefied natural gas and soon shoreside power on the Ostseekai for AIDA ships - that is exactly the signal we want to send out for the future of the port of Kiel. And it also fits perfectly with the seaport of Kiel’s Blue Port concept that has just been drawn up." Mayor Kämpfer also thanks the Costa Group and AIDA Cruises for their support of the "Kieler Woche" which has also just been agreed. The new event sponsor, AIDA Cruises, will be getting involved in a number of ways including presenting the closing fireworks at the "Kieler Woche".

A study of the seaport of Kiel with AIDA Cruises as the industry partner will be investigating the direct and indirect effects of the cruise industry. The study is intended to help identify potential and activities for greater local and regional value creation by cruise tourism and maritime service providers.

SunStone reports accelerated demand for new Infinity-class new builds

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 26 April 2018 26 April 2018

SunStone Ships, Inc. has announced an aggressive delivery schedule for their highly sought-after newbuilds, Infinity-class vessels. During the Steel Cutting Ceremony of the Greg Mortimer, the first expedition vessel in the SunStone’s Infinity Series, the second shipbuilding contract was signed between China Merchant Heavy Industries (CMHI) and SunStone Ships. This Vessel, Infinity II (to be renamed), scheduled for delivery in August 2020, is essentially a sister vessel to the Greg Mortimer, with a capacity of 160 passengers. The Infinity II will have a number of different features from the Greg Mortimer, but otherwise will be a sister ship from a capacity and technical aspect.

SunStone’s President & CEO, Niels-Erik Lund stated, “While we aren’t yet ready to announce the long-term charterer of the second vessel, we are happy to report that long-term charter contracts have already been signed for the Infinity III and Infinity IV.” As a result of the enthusiasm for the vessel, the company says it is pursuing an accelerated development of the Pleet.

The Infinity II contract was signed by David Zhu, Director of CMHI, and SunStone Ship’s President, Niels-Erik Lund. Infinity II is the second vessel in a series of expedition cruise vessels being built by CMHI for SunStone; as part of a firm contract for four vessels with options for an additional six. The Vessels are 104 meters long, 18 meters wide having a draft of 5.1 meters, a passenger capacity between 130-200 and a crew capacity between 85 and 115. The Vessels are Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6 and are being built with Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning and Zero Speed Stabilizers.

The first ship, named the Greg Mortimer is scheduled for delivery August 2019 and goes on charter to Aurora Cruises, Australia.

Guangzhou Shipyard to build new ferry to Algeria

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 April 2018 25 April 2018

Guangzhou Shipyard International Company in China has just signed a contract with state-owned Algerian shipping company ENTMV for a large RoPax newbuilding. Danish OSK-ShipTech A/S is behind the design.

Danish design is a great export commodity, and within ship design and naval architecture, owners want the Danish design expertise. OSK-ShipTech A/S’ design as well as the technical and commercial offer tipped the scales and saw state-owned Algerian shipping company ENTMV announcing Chinese Guangzhou Shipyard International Company (GSI) as the winners of the public tender that took place in 2016. Now, all the technical and commercial details are settled and the final contract has been signed.

OSK-ShipTech A/S (OSK) is already working on the Approval Design for the new Algerian passenger ferry holding 1800 passengers, 180 crewmembers and more than 600 cars and putting their mark on all the interiors and facilities on-board. The new ferry will sail between Algeria and a series of larger cities in Southern Europa, e.g. Marseille and Barcelona.

GSI is among the most productive shipyards globally and they have previously teamed up with OSK-ShipTech on prestigious passenger ferries. For instance, GSI and OSK collaborated on the project for the newly contracted cruise ferries for Moby and GNV, where OSK also developed the design. And the contract for the Algerian newbuilding is another important step towards an even closer collaboration between GSI and OSK.

“China has a strong focus on the market of RoPax ferries and newbuildings, and we are very proud that GSI once again are choosing us as designers. The ENTMV-ferry is a dream project. We get to tailor the vessel completely so that it is fully optimised for the route – both with regard to design and operation as well as commercial flow and passenger experience. Hence, a project like this brings all our competences into play,” says Kristian Carøe Lind, Chief Technical Officer at OSK.

Algeria’s new RoPax ferry will be 200 m long, 30 m wide and will have a 6.7 m draught. The ferry will be propelled by four main engines, each 10.800 kW (58.000 brake horsepower in total), with a service speed of 24 knots – approximately 44 km per hour. The ferry’s two car decks will hold over 600 cars on its more than 3000 lane metres, and accommodation decks will be divided in Cabin- and Economy Class with a total capacity of 1800 passengers.

Senior executive appointments and promotions in Princess, Holland America, Seabourn and Carnival Australia

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 April 2018 25 April 2018

 

Carnival Corporation and plc, the world's largest leisure travel company, has made several key senior executive appointments and promotions to serve multiple brands and business units globally.

Mr. Anthony (Tony) Kaufman has been promoted to executive vice president, professional services and chief financial officer for four business units of Carnival Corporation – Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Carnival Australia. In his new role, Kaufman will oversee the financial planning and reporting, financial analysis, accounting and tax strategy for this group. Kaufman now reports to Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of these business units. Previously, Kaufman served as executive vice president, international operations for Carnival plc's Princess Cruises brand, leading the line's Asia, Australia, United Kingdom and Europe business operations.

Throughout his 25-year career at Princess Cruises, Kaufman has held various roles including senior vice president of commercial affairs, which was a broad commercial role that included responsibility for onboard revenue and worldwide shore operations, as well as commercial transactions such as shipbuilding contracts, ship sales, and charters. He has also served as general counsel of the former P&O Princess Cruises plc and has held various other roles in legal and business affairs since joining the company in 1993.

Kaufman succeeds Tim Howie, executive vice president professional services and chief financial officer, who retired earlier this year after more than 10 years with the company.

Ms. Kelly Clark, senior vice president and chief ethics officer for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Carnival Australia, has assumed oversight of the legal department as general counsel. Clark previously served as a senior vice president overseeing fleet operations compliance and also served previously as general counsel to Holland America Line and Seabourn, where she oversaw the development of an award-winning compliance program. Clark succeeds Mona Ehrenreich, senior vice president and general counsel who retired earlier this year after nearly 25 years of service to the company.

"It's my privilege to announce the promotions of Kelly and Tony to these strategic senior roles and I'm confident their leadership, intellect and integrity will create a lasting effect for the brands, our employees and colleagues," said Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Carnival Australia. "These executive appointments are also the catalyst for additional promotions demonstrating the outstanding capabilities and leadership within the ranks of our company," added Kruse.

Ms. Deanna Austin, who has been with the company for 30 years, has been promoted to chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. In addition to her current accountability leading global deployment and revenue management, Austin has overall responsibility for the commercial operations for the Princess Cruises brand in 12 international offices, as well as international sales through Princess Cruises' general sales agents around the world. Austin will continue to report to Jan Swartz, group president, Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia.

"Deanna is one of the brightest minds in commercial management and deployment planning in the cruise industry and this promotion positions Princess to benefit from her three decades of experience and leadership globally," said Jan Swartz, group president for Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia.

Group Shared Services (Financial)

Ms. Natalya Leahy has been promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer for Holland America Line and Seabourn. She will report to Kaufman. Leahy most recently served as vice president and CFO based in Seattle.

Mr. Simeon Waldron has been promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer for Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia, reporting to Kaufman and based in Santa Clarita, Calif. Waldron most recently served as vice president and CFO of these business units.

Commercial and Product Management for Princess Cruises

Mr. Stuart Allison has been promoted to senior vice president, Asia-Pacific Planning and Operations, for the Princess Cruises brand, reporting to Austin. In this new role, his accountability expands to include direct responsibility for Carnival plc's China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore business. With the company for nearly 20 years, Allison was previously vice president of Princess Cruises' successful Australia and New Zealand business based in Sydney, where he will remain. He will retain revenue and operations oversight for the Australia and New Zealand business.

Mr. Neil Rippon has been promoted to vice president, domestics, Europe, and exotics product management for Princess Cruises. Adding to his current responsibilities, Rippon is now accountable for Europe and exotics revenue and Derek Krause, director, Europe and exotics product management, will report to him. Tony Roberts, vice president, UK and Europe, based in the UK, will report to Austin and partner with Rippon on achieving the brand's European revenue and sourcing plans. Rippon, as well as Trey Hickey in International Sales, will report to Austin.

Guest Services for Princess Cruises

Ms. Lorna Warren has joined Princess Cruises as vice president, guest services where she will lead the shipboard guest services and operations function—including front desk, housekeeping operations, customer service, charters and groups, and the onboard quality assurance program. Warren will also support guest operations' strategic efforts for recruitment, career progression, training, and development of the seagoing staff in close partnership with the global human resources team. Warren brings to Princess Cruises more than 17 years of experience in the cruise industry.

Marketing for Princess Cruises

Ms. Shelley Wise has been promoted to vice president integrated marketing (North America) for Princess Cruises accountable for brand marketing, advertising, consumer insights and analytics, creative services and direct marketing. She has been with the company for 10 years and continues to report to Gordon Ho, senior vice president, global marketing and North America sales.