data not guaranteed
Disclaimer: Although accuracy is attempted,
the Shipping News page on MaritimeMatters.com is culled from news sources, web sites, radio,
press releases, private and commercial email, MaritimeMatters.com or Martin Cox or
Peter Knego cannot be held responsible for its accuracy or for any action taken as
a result of content or any other web page or email herein.
SHIPPING NEWS June 2004- December 2004
Click here to go to current shipping news page
Click here to go to shipping news January - May 2005
Shipping Disrupted After Massive Earthquake
December 26: Following the massive undersea earthquake (9.0) off the north-western coast of
Sumatra, tsunamis have caused havoc and a huge loss of life on many coasts (aprox 50,000 deaths
reported). "This may be the worst national disaster in recent history because it is affecting
so many heavily populated coastal areas" according to U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator.
In shipping, coastal facilities have been adversely affected in thousands of ports:
Following reports of damage and destruction in parts of Phuket, Thailand, Star Cruises has
temporarily amended the itineraries of SUPERSTAR VIRGO and SUPERSTAR GEMINI. Both ships were
in Singapore when the waves were striking the north-western coast of the Malay peninsula and
Thailand. Star Cruises have cancelled calls at Phuket on the current cruises which departed
from Singapore and Port Klang, Malaysia on December 26th. Star Cruises will continue to monitor
the situation.
At Chennai, India, the port was reported closed due to damage. Three ships were in a collision:
ABG KESHAV, CANADIAN EXPRESS and GEM OF TUTICORN. The ships broke their moorings after two tsunamis,
one at 9.00 a.m. and another at 11.00 a.m., hit the area. The ships collided and one of them hit
the West Quay berth at Ambedkar docks and damaged a crane. Authorities encouraged other vessels
to move to the open seas.
MV AKBAR, a passenger ship, was damaged at Port Blair while no passengers were on board.
Port installations at Tuticorin Port have also been damaged, while a ship loaded with coal
lost its moorings. On the other side of the country, in the state of Kerala, the passenger
ship MV BHARAT SEEMA, with 360 aboard, had set out from Kochi to Lakshadweep for the 15-20
hour trip before the warning of the tsunamis in the Arabian Sea were received. All inter-island
ferry services have since been suspended.
NCL Pass to Star
December 24: Norwegian Cruise Lines announced a plan to transfer six ships to Malaysian parent
company Star Cruises as it takes delivery of various newbuildings. NCL reported that the "mid-size,
middle-aged" vessels which formed the core of its fleet prior to being acquired by Star will be
switched to the Asian operator between 2005 and 2008. The transfer helps to offset NCL's announcement
that it is ordering a 2,384-berth vessel at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, for February 2007
delivery and a 2,430-berth ship at the Helsinki facility of Aker Finnyards, for delivery in May 2007.
And SEAWING Makes Four
December 24: The 1971-built SEAWING (ex SOUTHWARD), has been acquired by Cyprus-based Louis Cruise Lines
for $9.045m from the UK-based MyTravel group. Louis now owns all four of the fleet of Sun Cruises, a
subsidiary of MyTravel. MyTravel previously sold the 1982-built SUNBIRD (ex SONG OF AMERICA), the 1971-built
CAROUSEL (ex NORDIC PRINCE), and the 1970-built SUNDREAM (ex SONG OF NORWAY) to Louis in April.
Horses Suffocate On Italian Ferry
December 21: The 30,757gt ro-ro vessel VINCENZO FLORIO limped into Palermo December 19 after a harrowing
night for 472 passengers. The state-owned Tirrenia ferry was enroute to Naples from Palermo and nearing
the Sicilian coast when the captain sent out a distress call, reporting a fire on the car deck. The fire
cut power on board and passengers put on their life-vests and proceeded to the upper deck. The FLORIO
took on a list of 20ˇ to port from the water used in fire fighting and drifted in the Mediterranean
Sea for hours following a fire. A force 8 hampered the situation and some minor injures were reported,
while five racehorses reportedly died of smoke inhilation. Two separate investiagations were opened,
one by the coast guard, the other by Tirrenia.
Beach Bits
December 21: ATALANTE (ex TAHITIEN) has beached very close to UNIVERSE EXPLORER
(ex BRASIL, etc.). Cutting has yet to begin on these two and the OCEAN EXPLORER I
(ex PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT, etc.). Meanwhile, VICTORIA I (ex DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, etc.)
is now 60% demolished and HARMONY (ex STATENDAM, etc.) is nearly gone.
Wrecked ANTONINA NEZHDANOVA Towed
December 21: The wreck of 1978-built Russian passenger ship ANTONINA NEZHDANOVA was righted and towed from
Fushiki, Japan December 18 on her way for scrapping in Shanghai. On October 21, Typhoon "Tokage"
slammed her against her berth until the hull cracked and the ship rolled against the quay.
Her Russian owners abandonded the wreck. SHIPPING NEWS Photos
RADISSON DIAMOND Sold
December 20: The world's largest SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) ship, the 20,295-ton,
350-passenger RADISSON DIAMOND has reportedly been bought by Stanly Ho for use as an upscale
Hong Kong casino ship. The 1992-built ship currently sails for Radisson Seven Seas cruises
in Caribbean and Mediterranean service.
WALRUS Back on Shelf
December 19: MaritimeMatters reported on October 19 that a UK charterer had plans for the 1990-built WALRUS (ex CROWN MONARCH,
CUNARD CROWN MONARCH, NAUTICAN), but maritime press pronounce the deal off.
Currently sailing on overnight gambling cruises from Hong Kong, she was to have been renamed REMBRANDT 2, sailing from Tilbury,
Greenock, Larne, Liverpool, Cardiff and Southampton in 2005.
GibraltarDAM Update
December 18: The Steamship Rotterdam Foundation relays some encouraging news about the
SS ROTTERDAM (ex ROTTERDAM, REMBRANDT), which is berthed at the Cammell Laird Shipyard in
Gibraltar. The HSG (Hospitality Support Group) has been chosen by the Port of Rotterdam
for the ship's final sale negotiations from current bankrupt owners, RDM (Rotterdam Drydock
Company). The ship's future owners are planning to host restaurants, a 500 bed hotel, and
a large meeting hall (450 capacity) onboard ROTTERDAM when she reaches her intended homeport
of Rotterdam. The negotiations are expected to last until February of 2005.
Two New NCL Orders
December 17: NCL announced today orders for two new 2,400-berth cruise ships.
One from Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany for delivery in February 2007.
The second ship will be built at the Helsinki yard of Aker Finnyards and will be delivered
in May 2007. The Meyer Weft ship will be an identical sister of the NORWEGIAN JEWEL, currently under construction
at that yard and due for delivery in August 2005. The Aker Finnyards ship will be a new design, slightly larger
in capacity with over 840 staterooms and suites with private balconies.
Every outside stateroom will have its own balcony in an industry first. The order will include an option for a second ship,
for delivery in early 2008, with exercise of the option by end of August 2005.
WALKER Finished
December 17: The 1944-built 19,169 gt P2 transport GENERAL NELSON M. WALKER
(ex ADMIRAL HT MAYO) is due to depart the reserve fleet at Ft. Eustis, VA on
28 December for scrapping at Star Metals of Brownsvile, TX. The WALKER and her
Alameda-built sisters were the prototypes of the famous American President Liners
PRESIDENT CLEVELAND and PRESIDENT WILSON, which were converted from transports into
luxury liners in 1948. After WALKER's departure, there will be only two of these
specific types of P2 vessels left: the GENERAL WILLIAM O. DARBY (also sold for
scrapping and due to leave for Marine Metals of Brownsville, TX, shortly) and
the GENERAL EDWIN D. PATRICK (currently laid up at Suisuin Bay). Of the other
surviving of P2 vessels (P2S2R2 type), the GENERAL JOHN POPE is currently laid
up at Suisuin Bay and the heavily rebuilt GENERAL W. P. RICHARDSON is on the beach
at Alang, India, awaiting scrapping under the name OCEAN EXPLORER I.
QUEEN CONSTANTINA For Aliaga
December 15: New Marathon Cruises' QUEEN CONSTANTINA was sold at auction to Aliaga
shipbreakers late last month. The former 33 ORIENTALES, CITY OF RHODOS, QUEEN ELENI,
JOYWAVE has been laid up at Limassol since September of 2001, when her owners filed for
bankruptcy. The 6,497 gt, 1966-built ship rapidly deteriorated in layup and was recently
damaged by a fire, which was reportedly confined to her main lounge.
GREAT EASTERN's Funnel Finds Home
December 15: A section of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's GREAT EASTERN, has been donated to
the SS GREAT BRITAIN Trust in Bristol, UK. The funnel fragment, two metres wide (seven feet)
and over one and a half metres tall (five feet), is the only remaining iron part of Brunel's
third and final ship still in existence. It was donated by Wessex Water and is due to be unveiled
at the museum today.
BLACK WATCH Extensive Refit Planned
December 15: Specific details have now been released about the planned refit of
Fred Olsen's 1972-built MV BLACK WATCH (ex ROYAL VIKING STAR, WESTWARD, STAR ODYSSEY).
The 28,670 gt 761 passenger vessel will proceed to the Blohm and Voss shipyard following
her 2005 world cruise in April. Her engines, auxiliary engines, gearboxes, and propellers
will be replaced with more fuel-efficient gear that will be installed on new rubber
mountings to reduce vibration and noise. More balconies will be fitted on the Bridge Deck
cabins and a general refurbishing of all public areas will be undertaken. It is intended
for this refit to expand the life expectancy of BLACK WATCH, which is a hugely popular
vessel in the UK-based cruise market. A recent inspection of the ship in Southampton
found the BLACK WATCH in excellent order, even prior to the scheduled refit. Fred Olsen
also operates the 1966-built BLACK PRINCE and the 1992-built BRAEMAR (ex CROWN DYNASTY,
CUNARD CROWN DYNASTY, NORWEGIAN DYNASTY).
CASTLE In The Sand
December 14: It has been confirmed that the MARGARITA L (former WINDSOR CASTLE), the last surviving Union Castle
Liner and one of the last original ocean liners in the world, has been sold to Indian shipbreakers
for $295 per ldt, which will bring in some $6 million USD.
Meanwhile, ATALANTE (ex TAHITIEN) was beached at Alang on 11 December.
OCEAN EXPLORER I (ex GENERAL WP RICHARDSON, LA GUARDIA, LEILANI, PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT,
ATLANTIS, EMERALD SEAS, FANTASTICA, FUNTASTICA, TERIFFICA, SAPPHIRE SEAS) and
UNIVERSE EXPLORER (ex BRASIL, VOLENDAM, MONARCH SUN, VOLENDAM, ISLAND SUN, LIBERTE,
CANADA STAR, QUEEN OF BERMUDA, ENCHANTED SEAS) were beached the prior week.
New Horizon For HORIZON
December 12: Celebrity's 1990-built HORIZON will transfer to Island Cruises in October 2005.
British-based Island Cruise Line was formed in May 2000 as a joint venture between Royal Caribbean
International and one of the United Kingdom's largest tour operators, First Choice Holidays PLC. They
began with 1981-built ISLAND ESCAPE (ex SCANDINAVIA, STARDANCER, VIKING SERENADE) offering Mediterranean
and Brazilian cruises. After the 47,000 gt HORIZON is transferred to Island Cruises, she will enter drydock
in Freeport, Bahamas, and undergo extensive refurbishment, adding two restaurants, 59 staterooms and 50
balconies. ĘThe ship will enter service in Brazil in December under a new name and sail in the
Mediterranean during the summer.
New CROWN PRINCESS Keel Laid
December 10: A ceremony was held today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone,
Italy for the keel laying of Princess' newest cruise ship. The 113,000-ton vessel will
be completed by Spring 2006 and will be named CROWN PRINCESS. The ship will carry 3,100-passengers
and will join CARIBBEAN PRINCESS in year-round Caribbean cruising.
Restructuring For ROC
December 10: Greek courts have reportedly given struggling Royal Olympia Cruises more
time by postponing a hearing on liquidating its subsidiary shipowning companies until
mid-January. The court took into consideration ROC's efforts to sell the 1962-built ODYSSEUS
to Island Cruise Line for $5.71m, to meet some of its outstanding debts. However, it was
reported by unions that crew onboard TRITON and WORLD RENAISSANCE have not been paid their
October and November salaries.
LIBERTY Floated
December 7: Carnival Cruise Lines' new 110,000-ton CARNIVAL LIBERTY was floated out of its
dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship is expected to make a Mediterranean cruise
beginning July 20, 2005. In October the vessel will sail on a 16-day transatlantic crossing then
launch year-round six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning in November 2005.
Los Angeles Cruise Ship Promenade Opens
December 3: Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn officially opened the new Los Angeles Cruise
Ship Promenade, a public boardwalk at the Port of Los Angeles. The new site includes
four acres of prime waterfront property, situated between the Vincent Thomas Bridge and
World Cruise Center in San Pedro. The Promenade is located at the intersection of Swinford
Street and Harbor Boulevard and is easily accessible from the Harbor Boulevard off-ramp of
the I-110 and CA-47 freeways. For more information
http://www.portoflosangeles.org
REGINA MARIS Finished
December 2: REGINA MARIS (ex ORION, VIXEN, ARGONAUT) arrived at Aliaga today for scrapping.
The 1929-built vessel, originally a schooner rigged private yacht and later a pioneering
Greek cruise ship for Epirotiki Lines, last served as a floating hotel at Faliron, near
Piraeus, for the 2004 Olympics.
QM2 Reinforces Chairs
December 1: Claims that overweight passengers have broken some of the existing chairs in the
restaurants and bars aboard QM2 has Cunard reportedly planning to commission newer, stronger ones
for installation during the famed vessel's next refit. The ship will be fitted with the new furniture
next year by her builders Alstom Chantiers. Reports from Alstom have blamed the broken furniture on
unexpectedly heavy travellers, causing chairs to buckle.
CARNIVAL VALOR Delivered
December 1: Carnival Cruise Lines took delivery of the new 110,000-ton CARNIVAL VALOR, beginning
year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Miami December 19. The ship was constructed at Fincantieri,
and departed Monfalcone, Italy, today. She is expected in Miami December 13 for a special two-day
Bahamas cruise December 15-17. CARNIVAL VALOR will be officially named in ceremonies presided over by Katie Couric,
a news anchor from NBC. VALOR's itinerary will be: Eastern Caribbean cruises; Nassau, The Bahamas; St. Thomas,
U.S.V.I.; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, while the western route calls at Belize City, Belize; Isla Roatan,
Honduras; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico.
TARAS Stripped And Off To The Beach
November 30: Sad confirmation from the Ukraine about the last surviving, largely original IVAN FRANKO
class ship, the 1965-built MV TARAS SHEVCHENKO, which has, indeed, been sold for scrap. After
removal of some of her fittings at Odessa, the 19,549 gt vessel will sail to Alang. She was
refurbished at considerable expense last year for cruising under the Antartika banner after
being laid up since 1998. Bookings were light and with a considerable amount of cabins without
facilities, charters were not forthcoming. With her departure, Orient Lines' vastly rebuilt
MARCO POLO (ex ALEKSANDR PUSHKIN) will be the last of this distinguished class.
OLYMPIA Initiative Status
November 29: Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis has returned from Greece with a very encouraging
report about the future of the REGAL EMPRESS, ex CARIBE I, CARIBE, OLYMPIA. The efforts to
bring the 1953-built former Greek flagship to Faliron Harbor (near the Olympic Stadium in Athens)
for preservation nearby the battleship AVEROFF were discussed with Greek Minister of Mercantile Marine,
Manolis Kefaloyannis. Also attending the two hour meeting were state representatives Dimitrios Giannaros
and Dan Vrakas. The ship would serve as a museum of Greek maritime history with an emphasis on transatlantic
and Australian services. REGAL EMPRESS currently sails successully for Imperial Majesty Cruises on
two night trips to Nassau from Fort Lauderdale with no imminent plans for retirement. Click here for
Imperial Majesty Cruises
ATALANTE On Her Way To Alang
November 16: Cyprus-based Paradise Cruises, last owners of ATALANTE, have now confirmed that, indeed,
the dowager 1953-built vessel (formerly TAHITIEN, ATALANTE, HOMERICUS) has been sold for scrap after two
attempts to sell her for further trading fell through. The last surviving Messageries Maritimes combiliner
and one of the last post war French passenger ships, ATALANTE has had a remarkably successful and long career.
She left Limassol on Sunday, 14 November and passed through the Suez Canal on Tuesday, 16 November and
is presently dead-headed for the western coast of India. No replacement vessel has been named, but word
from Paradise is expected in the near future.
Suez Canal Closed, Reopened
November 9: For the first time since 1975, the Suez Canal closed after the fully laden 1992-built tanker
TROPIC BRILLIANCE ran aground November 6. The Sovcomflot-owned Liberian-flagged, ship grounded close to
the 73km marker. The 154,972dwt double-hulled tanker carries a full load of crude oil. No pollution has
occurred. The Suez Canal Authority co-ordinated the refloating operation with a smaller tanker alongside
the grounded ship to remove 25,000 tonnes of oil. A northbound convoy behind the tanker was halted mid-Canal.
On Novmber 9th the authority was sucessful in refloating the TROPIC BRILLIANCE which sailed north to Port Said,
clearing the canal for traffic. The Suez Canal averages 47 vessel transits per day.
ANASTASIS Damaged
November 8: Mercy Ship's 1953-built ANASTASIS (ex VICTORIA) sustained damage to her bow and a forward
water tank when she hit a pier in Benin, Africa, on November 5. It was reported that at the time of the
accident the vessel was under the direction of a marine pilot.
Wrecked ANTONINA NEZHDANOVA A Total Loss
November 6: On October 21, the 1978-built Russian passenger ship ANTONINA NEZHDANOVA was wrecked
against her berth during Typhoon "Tokage" in the port of Fushiki, Japan. Her Russian owners have now
abandonded the wreck and Japanese salvage operations have begun to remove the ship. The deck cargo of
automobiles has been removed as well as oil and fuel from the ship. The hull will be taken elsewhere
and scrapped. With regard to the damage to the quay, the port administrator's prefecture is asking
the ship-owner for repair compensation.
Barge Strikes ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS
November 5: Royal Caribbean Cruises' ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS was struck by a barge at Key West, Florida
leaving a 6-foot puncture in the ship's hull. A tug reportedly pushed the barge into the vessel's side
marking the hull for 50-feet. No one was injured in the incident, which left a hole in the forward port
side of the hull, about six feet above the water line. Repairs were underway and the ship was expected
to depart as scheduled.
PACIFIC SKY Breakdown
November 4: Over 1500 cruise passengers were returned to Brisbane last night after PACIFIC SKY
broke down at sea. Engineers worked for 30 hours before the delayed start of the 12-day cruise,
but the P&O Cruises vessel turned around at 320 nautical miles from Australia to sail back to Brisbane,
arriving November 5. A P&O spokesman said there was a technical problem with the ship's starboard engine
but there was no danger to the vessel or passengers.
Stormy MAJESTY
October 31: NCL's NORWEGIAN MAJESTY had her lounge windows smashed in during stormy weather enroute from Bermuda to Boston.
The estimated 1,400 passengers were called to the lifeboat stations but no one ever boarded the lifeboats and the windows were
sealed. Once the vessel docked in Boston, repairs were made for the ship to sail again the same day.
New AIDA Vessels Ordered
October 28: AIDA Cruises placed a 630 million euro order for two "club" ships of a new class from Papenburg,
Germany-based shipyard Meyer Werft on October 19. The 68,500-gt ships will be designed for 2,030 passengers
are planned to be 817 feet in length
Alang Again...
October 22: The latest from the beach of dread: SALONA (ex IVERNIA, FRANCONIA, FEDOR SHALYAPIN)
is now just a pile of turbine parts and an anchor; HARMONY I (ex STATENDAM, RHAPSODY, REGENT STAR,
SEA HARMONY) is now scrapped back to the funnel; still waiting to hear if demo on VICTORIA I
(ex DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, VICTORIA, THE VICTORIA, PRINCESA VICTORIA) has begun; APOLLO (ex EMPRESS OF CANADA,
MARDI GRAS, STAR OF TEXAS, OLYMPIC 2004, APOLLON), ASSEDO (ex SHOTA RUSTAVELI), and GENOA (ex SYLVANIA,
FAIRWIND, DAWN PRINCESS, ALBATROS) are gone. Recent passenger ship arrivals: AGIOS ANDREAS, ex AUSTRALIAN
TRADER of 1969 and GARYOUNNIS, ex MASHU of 1973 (thanks to Bruce Peter for the clarifications).
Newest arrivals (just starboard of HARMONY I) are the 1968-built DERIN DENIZ (ex INNISFALLEN,
CORSICA VIVA, DOMINICAN VIVA, CORSICA VIVA I, SARDINIA VIVA, CARIBIA VIVA, SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE,
HAPPY DOLPHIN) and the 1963-built TABUK (ex AVERPRINS KNUD, TABUK 2000). Enroute: SS UNIVERSE EXPLORER
(ex BRASIL, VOLENDAM, MONARCH SUN, VOLENDAM, ISLAND SUN, LIBERTE, CANADA STAR, QUEEN OF BERMUDA,
ENCHANTED SEAS, UNIVERSE EXPLORER), currently at Hong Kong after refit for return to cruise service
aborted following discovery of inner structural wear.
AUSONIA To ITHACA
October 22: Cyprus-based Louis Cruise Lines, operators of some of the last few interesting vintage passenger
ships left in the world, have not only committed to continuing the career of the lovely, 1957-built SS AUSONIA,
they will be giving the ship a drydocking and renovation in early 2005. At this time, the 12,609 gt 650
passenger vessel will be renamed ITHACA. She will run in conjunction with the 1968-built CALYPSO (the
former CANGURO VERDE, REGENT JEWEL). In the 1970s Ulysses Line operated its ships ITHACA (ex ZION,
AMELIA DE MELLO, later DOLPHIN) and CALYPSO (ex SOUTHERN CROSS, later AZURE SEAS, OCEANBREEZE)
in European service under charter to Thomson Holidays. The still quite sparkling AUSONIA/ITHACA
will soon be joining MaritimeMatters "ship tours". Editor Peter Knego spent a week aboard this
classic beauty in September and is raving about her!
Typhoon Cracks Passenger Ship
October 21: The 1978-built Russian passenger ship ANTONINA NEZHDANOVA was severely damaged by a
typhoon at her berth in the port of Fushiki, Japan. The storm left the ship partially submerged with
her funnel resting on the quay. Typhoon "Tokage" smashed the Far Eastern Shipping Company's vessel
against the concrete pier, cracking the hull. According to reports from Vladivostok, all 44
passengers and 68 crew members on board were safety off the ship. Reports have the Russian
captain requesting a tugboat to tow the ship into open water ahead of the storm, but
no tug was provided. The ship had sailed from Vladivostok on October 16.
Click for ship news pics
Brighter Picture Painted For WALRUS
October 19: The 1990-built WALRUS (ex CROWN MONARCH, CUNARD CROWN MONARCH, NAUTICAN),
currently sailing on overnight gambling cruises from Hong Kong, is to be chartered to UK operator Travelscope.
In 2005, she will be renamed REMBRANDT 2, sailing from Tilbury, Greenock, Larne, Liverpool, Cardiff and Southampton.
Spanish Ferry Grounded
October 10: BAHIA DE MALAGA, a 1980-built Spanish passenger ro/ro ferry was reported grounded off Denia, Spain.
All passengers were safely taken ashore with the ship remaining aground. A refloating attempt was under
way and no pollution was reported.
More Salvage From TITANIC
October 6: RMS Titanic, Inc, the company with rights to the wreck, have recenty returned from its
seventh mission to recover items from the sunken liner TITANIC. The expedition returned about two
weeks ago with 75 artifacts from the wreck site two miles below the North Atlantic. A previously
unknown debris field was discovered south of the White Star liner's stern, containing mostly
remnants of the first class Restaurant, including an unopened champagne bottle, a milk warmer,
a wall sconce, pieces of the grand staircase, a crystal decanter, Turkish bath tile and other items.
The artifacts will be carefully cleaned and added to the company's traveling Titanic exhibitions.
Window or Aisle? New Service For Passengers in Space
October 4: Following the successful tests with SpaceShipOne from Mojave, California. Virgin Atlantic Airways
has ordered five, five-passenger spaceliners over the next three years. SpaceShipOne captured a
$10 million prize for successfully completing two suborbital spaceflights. Virgin chairman, Sir
Richard Branson, plans to sell suborbital space rides for about $200,000 per person and pledged
to invest profits from Virgin Galactic into developing further space tourism. Virgin Galactic
passenger will fly slightly higher than the previous missions to qualify for the $10 million
Ansari X-Prize. Burt Rutan, the designer of the craft, proposes an altitude of 69 miles,
giving passengers about seven minutes of weightlessness and a spectacular view with a window each.
KALAKALA On The Move
October 1: On September 24, KALAKALA departed Neah Bay, WA for a 128 miles tow assisted by
two tugs to the Hylebos Waterway in Tacoma. The stay on Makah tiribal lands at Neah Bay, after a 5 year
layup at Lake Union, ended when the promise of jobs o restore the ferry never materialized.
In March, high winds blew KALAKALA into the dock, ripping out
pilings. The tribe sued Steve Rodrigues, the ship's owner and demanded that he remove the vessel and pay for
damaged dock. Rodrigues bought the former ferry for $136,560 October 2003 at a bankruptcy
auction, after a previous restoration effort failed. One shipyard has estimated repair work would
start cost bewteen $1 and $25 million.
Bahamas Ships Damaged
September 30: Reports from the Bahamas state the laid up SS THE BIG RED BOAT II,
possibly renamed RED BOAT, (ex EUGENIO C, EUGENIO COSTA, EDINBURGH CASTLE)
slipped her moorings during both hurricanes Frances and Jeannne in recent weeks.
In hurricane Frances, she reportedly drifted across the harbor, coming in contact
with the container terminal and sank an unnamed inter-island vessel. RED BOAT was
subsequently returned to her lay-up moorings. During hurricane Jeanne's fury, she
again slipped her lines, but no damge was reported. A rumoured plan to use her as
a New Orleans hotel has fallen silent. It was since suggested in various maritime
circles that she may be used as a gambling ship in Asia.
Meanwhile, JUBILEE, undergoing conversion into P&O Cruises PACIFIC SUN, was
released from her floating dry dock for safety as Jeanne approached, but broke
loose and crushed two tugs against a dock. There was no report of damage to the
former Carnival Cruises Lines vessel, but a delay in her refit may be inevitable.
Scope of the refit is a refurbishment of public areas, including Children's spaces,
Spa, Casino, Photo Gallery, Video Arcade, Funnel Grill, various bars and lounges,
for cruising in Australian waters.
Name Your Legendary Passenger Liner Survey
September 30: MaritimeMatters is pleased to continue to assist with Andrew Coggins.
He thanks all those who have responded to his survey on legendary passenger ships!
He is still looking for input. If you have NOT already answered the survey, please
do so at:
https://survey.vt.edu/survey/
Your response is greatly appreciated! (Note: Any outside link is beyond our responsiblility)
ROTTERDAM Meets KARL
September 29: When the MS ROTTERDAM sailed in to Halifax yesterday, she was greeted
by ambulances after passengers and crew were injured when the ship met with with
monster waves generated by hurricane Karl in the North Atlantic. About 12 passengers
were taken to hospital with suspected fractures and severe bruising. The cruise ship
was sailing to New York from Greece, when it hit rough water about 900 kilometres
east of St. John's, Newfoundland and was diverted to Halifax. Passengers described
the increasing severity of the storm and the ship's eventual loss of power. For
about almost 4 hours the ship was reportedly tossed about in total darkness. Engineers
from Holland America Line inspected the ship at Pier 21 in Halifax and she was
cleared to depart for New York. Hurricane Karl generated waves averaging about 20 metres.
P&O Cut Ferries
September 29: Since the opening of the Channel Tunnel, it has been a question
of when P&O would be forced to restructure. The long-awaited announcements came
yesterday following sharp declines in cross channel ferries business. Causes
were noted as the abolition of duty-free sales in 1999, the French government's
50% tax hike on cigarettes over the past 18 months and the rise of low-cost airlines.
The restructuring will see 1,200 jobs go from the loss-making ferry business, largely
affecting Portsmouth, leaving only one crossing from the southern port. P&O will
cut its ferry routes from 13 to 9 and dispose of one-third of its ships, reducing
the fleet to 23 vessels. Shares in P&O rose 5 per cent on the news and was viewed
as a precursor to an eventual sale of the ferries unit, leaving only its thriving
ports and logistics businesses. P&O's competitors - Sea France and Brittany Ferries
- stubstantially owned by the French government, are under little pressure to be
profitable. P&O intend to cease all services to Normandy - leaving passengers to
switch to Brittany Ferries, which will take over two of P&O's ships. Portsmouth
to Bilbao service will be operated by one ship, down from the previous six.
Service from Rosslare, Ireland to Cherbourg will be cut, while Irish Sea crossings
from Liverpool to Dublin, and Larne to Cairnryan and Troon will remain.
The competitive Calais to Dover route will retain the most crossings, though
two ships will be taken off the service, leaving six on the shorter Channel
route. P&O expects continued growth of the freight market, with new countries
adding to the European Union.
Dead Whale Rides On JEWEL
September 28: When JEWEL OF THE SEAS arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick she had a
dead whale straddled over the bulous bow. The crew was unaware of the 20-metre-long
finback whale believed to have been speared by the ship somewhere between Quebec
City and the Bay of Fundy. It was not known if the whale had been alive when the ship
hit it. The coast guard towed the dead whale out to sea.
ENCHANTMENT To Be Stretched And Hinged
September 27: ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS will be lengthened at the Keppel Verolme yard in
Rotterdam, next May. The ship will be cut in half and a new midsection added. Two
suspended walkways will rise above the pool deck along Deck 10 and the pool area will
be enlarged. Her increased length would preclude her passage through the Panama Canal
locks, so a special hinge will allow the bow to flip up so that she can transit the
locks safely. The work will be completed during a 30-day dry docking.
VAN GOGH Collides With Tanker
September 27: VAN GOGH collided with an oil tanker in the first ten minutes of her cruise.
In dense fog, VAN GOGH, carrying 492 passengers, collided with the Greek-registered tanker
SPETSES. The cruise ship had just sailed from Gibraltar for Tangiers, Morocco when it ran
into the starboard side of the double-hulled tanker, which was carrying 140,000 tonnes of
crude oil. VAN GOGH sustained damage to her bow and bulbous bow and returned to Gibraltar.
Local officials report no injuires or pollution resulting from the crash. The tanker was
towed to the Algeciras Oil refinery, which had been her intended destination, and VAN GOGH
off loaded her passengers before being drydocked at Cammell Laird, Gibraltar. Repairs
could last two weeks.
New Picture Painted For PAUL GAUGUIN
September 24: Boston-based companies Grand Circle Corporation and Vantage Deluxe World Travel
have together acquired the 320-passenger luxury ship PAUL GAUGUIN from Center Group Holdings,
a subsidiary of the Zurich Insurance Group. The 1997-built ship currently sails year-round in
French Polynesia for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, who will continue to manage the vessel's
itinerary for 2005. In 2006, the Chantiers de l'Atlantique-built ship will be operated and
staffed by Grand Circle Corporation and Vantage Deluxe World Travel, and will sail on South
American, Mediterranean, Baltic and Antarctic itineraries.
Carnival's Order Book
September 23: Carnival Corporation has signed an agreement to build five cruise ships.
Fincantieri shipyard will construct two 110,000-ton "Conquest" class cruise ships, at Sestri
Ponente for delivery to Carnival Cruise Lines in 2007 and 2008. A pair of 116,000-ton "Caribbean
Princess" class cruise ships will be built at Monfalcone for delivery to Princess in 2007 and
2008, and, lastly, a redesigned, enlarged QUEEN VICTORIA is to be built at Marghera near Venice
for the Cunard Line.
Carnival's Pinnacle
September 21: According to reports, Carnival Corporation is poised to place new orders for cruise ship
deliveries in 2007-08. These orders could include a massive new vessel for Carnival Cruise Lines that would
take back the title of the 'world's largest passenger ship' from Royal Caribbean's 160,000gt Ultra Voyager
class vessels now under construction in Finland. The new concept, named 'Pinnacle Project', was inherited
by Carnival after the merger with Princess. The vessel being contemplated could be up to 180,000gt.
Royal Caribbean Shift Registry To Bahamas
September 20: Royal Caribbean Cruises announced its plans to transfer six
ships from Norwegian registry to that of The Bahamas. ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS, SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS,
MAJESTY OF THE SEAS, MONARCH OF THE SEAS, RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS and SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS are scheduled
to transfer to the Bahamian registry in 2005. Royal Caribbean's other 13 ships are currently registered in the Bahamas,
as are another nine cruise ship in its sister line, Celebrity Cruises.
Amazon Passenger Vessel Sinks
September 20: PRINCESA LAURA, thought to be carrying about 100 passengers, capsized in the
Amazon tributary of Rio Negro yesterday. A rescue operation is underway after the ship sank,
killing at least 15 people. At least three people may be trapped inside the hull. About 90
passengers and crew are reported to have been rescued and taken to the city of Manaus, 37 miles away.
Bad weather likely caused the accident.
Alstom Marine's MSC Order
September 19: Alstom Marine announced it has has won its first cruise ship contract in over
three and a half years. The French shipyard won an order worth around 800 million euros, to
build two cruise ships for Italy's MSC Cruises at their Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard.
The 1,275 cabin ships would be delivered in June 2006 and in the Spring of 2007. The ships
will be 294 meters long and over 32 meters wide and intended Mediterranean and Caribbean cruise
service. Each will carry up to 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members. The order book currently
comprises three LNG carriers for state-owned Gaz de France, a vessel being built with
government-owned DCN for the French navy, a car ferry for SeaFrance and several smaller vessels.
ROTTERDAM Renovations Resume
September 19: The Steamship Rotterdam Foundation reports that the refurbishment of the
1959-built ROTTERDAM continues at Gibraltar. Financial troubles that were reported at
the beginning of September have not directly affected the future of the ship. Remediation
of asbestos and renovation of piping are the main tasks ahead for the Autumn. The ship
will be drydocked in the Spring 2005 and will be moved to her original homeport of
Rotterdam later that year as "Hotel Cruiseship S.S. Rotterdam" at the Maashaven.
easyCruise Aquires NEPTUNE
September 17: The 1990-built NEPTUNE has been bought by Stelios Haji-Ioannou for
his first entry into the cruise market. Singapore's Keppel Corp won the contract to
overhaul the 4,077-gt RENAISSANCE TWO (NEPTUNE) in time for cruising in April 2005.
The ship will carry 180 passengers. EasyCruise sailings will cost GBP 29 (US$55) per
night, offering cabins on board the ship on a night-by-night basis, so that customers
can cruise for as many or as few days and nights as they wish. They will be expected
to make their own way to the ship, typically using the abundance of low cost flights
which serve the Mediterranean. EasyCruise will operate in southeast Asia during the winter months.
NORWAY To Honfleur?
September 14: The French press is buzzing this week with stories of a possible deal
to bring the NORWAY (ex FRANCE) to the Port of Honfeur as an hotel. Property developer
Isaac Dahan, representing a group of investors, has been working on the plan for several
months. Negotiations over the possible sale continue with competition from another bidder
from Holland.
RCI Orders Big Sister
September 8: RCI's 160,000-ton Ultra-Voyager class cruise ship is currently under
construction at Kvaerner Masa Yards in Finland. The huge ship is due for delivery
in May 2006. Today, RCI announced an order for a second sister, for delivery 2007.
The Ultra-Voyagers will be 1,112 feet long, 126 feet wide (330 meters by 39 meters),
with 18 decks. Gross tonnage will be 160,000, and the ships will carry 3,600 passengers
and 1,400 crewmembers, 500 more than the Voyager-class ships. Though these ships will
take the title as the worlds largest cruise ships, the QM2 will remain the longest and
widest -- for now!
Frances Off Florida
September 5: While the massive category 2 Hurricane Frances comes ashore today on the Eastern seaboard
of Florida, many cruise ships weather out the storm at sea. NORWEGIAN SEA, RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS, ELATION,
HOLIDAY and CELEBRATION were reported to be in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, while EXPLORER OF THE SEAS,
PARADISE, CENTURY and CARNIVAL GLORY hovered between Yucatan and the region south of the Florida Keys.
The slow moving storm has created chaos with cruise schedules as ports close and ships wait far beyond
their intended locations for calmer waters.
Princess To Remain in Los Angeles
September 2: Princess Cruises will operate their cruise ships from the port of Los Angeles for a one-year
trial run with an option to extend the contract for five years. The agreement is a coup for San Pedro
after Los Angeles had lost several ships to Long Beach after Carnival Corporation built a new $40 million
terminal behind QUEEN MARY. The 2,600-passenger DIAMOND PRINCESS is expected in San Pedro at the end of
September offering seven-day cruises to Mexico and will rotate with the SAPPHIRE PRINCESS. Royal
Caribbean is now based in San Pedro with a contract in place, and Disney Cruises will be sailing
in for a new 12-week trial period next year.
Celebrity Drydocking
September 1: Celebrity Cruises will reportedly cancel SUMMIT's September 10 sailing to replace a radial-bearing
unit that is showing premature wear. To replace the part in the propulsion system on her starboard side,
the cruise ship must be drydocked. SUMMIT will enter San Francisco's Drydock on September 12 for the repairs.
The ship is expected to resume service September 20. Passengers booked on the cancelled sailing will
receive a full refund for their cruise, plus a free future Celebrity cruise in North America.
HIKAWA MARU For Sale
September 1: Both the Marine Tower and the 1930-built HIKAWA MARU in Yamashita Park, Yokohama, are for sale
after their operator announced huge losses, according to Japanese press reports. HIKAWA MARU was the only
large Japanese passenger ship to survive World War Two. She was seized by the US government for use as a
transport between 1945 and 1947. Between 1947 and 1953, she was used as a freighter on Japan to U.S.
East Coast service, resuming her transpacific passenger duties between 1953 and 1960. With her engine spaces and
lower accommodation largely gutted, she became a floating museum and hostel at Yokohama.. The two landmarks
were first opened in 1961 to commemorate the centenary of the opening of Yokohama Port. Hikawamaru Marine
Tower Co. had closed the restaurant on the ship in 2002 after it accumulated debts and visitor numbers have
fallen since. An official of NYK Line, a possible buyer, said, "HIKAWA MARU is our company's history and,
if no one else comes forward to buy the ship, we'd like to take responsibility for its preservation ourselves."
French Port Fancies Former FRANCE
September 1: The laid up SS NORWAY (ex FRANCE) has been in the news again. NCL have kept the ship in good condition
in Bremerhaven. Meanwhile, a French campaign to acquire the ship was begun by the "Association for the ex-France",
which has launched a subscription campaign to raise funds to support a French real estate developer,
Isaac Dahan, in a bid to purchase the NORWAY.
The plan calls for berthing the ship at her former home port of Le Havre as a tourist attraction and business center.
However, there is competion with a another potential buyer in Holland who is seeking to preserve the ship in Amsterdam.
It was reported that NCL have lowered the price to US$25m and seek a buyer by September. The 1961-built ocean liner
still commands a great following in France. After a fatal boiler explosion in Miami in May 2003, the NORWAY was towed
to Germany.
NORWEGIAN SEA Saves Lives
August 27: NCL's NORWEGIAN SEA was cruising from Houston to Cozumel, when the crew rescued four Honduran
fishermen. Their boat had capsized and they had been clinging to its hull for 12 days. The men who used their shirts
to catch fish and to collect rainwater, were in remarkably good condition. The four were treated in sick bay
put ashore at Roatan, Honduras.
HOLIDAY Saves Lives
August 26: Carnival's HOLIDAY rescued five fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico today. Passengers on the
deck of the ship heard cries of men in the water and alerted officers who slowed and turned the ship
to bring the men on board. Their fishing boat had burned and capsized and the men had only two life
preservers between them.
QUEEN MARY Eyed By Vegas
August 25: The Singapore Times reports that Queen's Seaport Development, the company operating the QUEEN MARY
for the city of Long Beach, announced that it wants to sell the remaining 76 per cent interest in the vessel
to a Las Vegas-registered limited partnership. Joe Prevratil, president and chief executive of Queen's Seaport
Development, said the prospective new owners would not turn the vessel into a gambling enterprise. Bandero LLC
has a Nevada address, but also Southern California offices. Discussions have included building a marina, a
five star hotel, a retail centre and a time-share complex next to the ship. The City of Long Beach would
not currently allow gaming on board the ship, and under its lease could reject the proposed new owners.
Bandero LLC bought a 24 per cent interest in the ship in June for US$2 million.
NCL Refund Misery
August 24: Travel papers have announced that NCL America will refund 50% of the service charge paid
by passengers who sailed on PRIDE OF ALOHA. NCL America said the refund was "in recognition of the
shortcomings of the PRIDE OF ALOHA's past cruises." A discount to former PRIDE OF ALOHA
passengers wishing to sail on another NCL Hawaii cruise next year or on PRIDE OF AMERICA
has been offered.
OLYMPIA's Future In The Lap of The Gods?
August 24: Efforts are underway to preserve the former Greek Line
OLYMPIA (REGAL EMPRESS). Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis and Connecticut State Representative
Demetrios Giannaros have launched an effort to begin the process of securing the support necessary to preserve
the liner and consider cultural/historical alternatives for her future use. Their commitment is to ensure
that the OLYMPIA is not consigned to the scrap heap and instead remains a living part of Greek history.
Senator Raptakis recently met with the President of Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines' Arthur Pollack to
discuss the future of the ship. During a recent visit to Greece, he also met with officials from the
Greek Ministry of Mercantile Marine to gauge their support for bringing the ship back to Greece.
Anyone interested in supporting this project should contact Senator Raptakis
at senraptakis@hotmail.com
PONT-AVEN Returns
August 23: Brittany Ferries flagship PONT-AVEN returned to service today, almost two weeks after
an engine room flood left the ship stranded in at Plymouth. Following repairs at Brest, France,
the ferry sailed for Santander, Spain, where she will pick up passengers for a scheduled service
to Plymouth. Crossings will take longer than usual because the ferry is not running at full speed.
The sailing is expected to take 24 hours instead of 18. PONT-AVEN can carry 2,400 passengers and 650 cars.
Hunger Strike On CHINA SEA DISCOVERY
August 19: Taiwan television has reported the declining situation aboard on board CHINA SEA
DISCOVERY (ex- CARINTHIA, FAIRLAND, FAIRSEA, FAIR PRINCESS). The owners of the vessel owe the Port
of Kaohsiung more than NTD 5,000.000 in docking and anchorage fees. It apears that the remaining
crew have gone unpaid some 20 months and are in "marine prison", as they lack the required documents
to enter Taiwan. They have hung banners protesting their plight over the sides of the ship,
demanding their pay and their return home. Food has not been supplied to to the vessel,
and now their personal money is exhausted. They are staging a hunger strike in a desperate
attempt to get the Taiwan government to act.
SS MILWAUKEE CLIPPER Awarded
August 19: The Steamship Historical Society of America has named MILWAUKEE CLIPPER "Ship of the Year" as the vessel
celebrates its 100th anniversary. The award will be presented to Clipper representatives at 10 a.m. August 28 aboard
the ship by four society officials. S.S. Milwaukee Clipper Preservation Inc., reports; "the Clipper is 100 years old,
is the last surviving U.S. passenger steamship on the Great Lakes and is a National Historic Landmark." Launched
in 1904 at the American Shipbuilding Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, she made her maiden voyage as S.S. JUNIATA in 1905.
She carried up to 350 passengers from Buffalo, NY, to Duluth, MN, with regular stops in Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit,
Mackinac Island, Marquette, Houghton and Hancock. The Great Lakes Transit Corpotation of Buffalo, N.Y. operated
the ship after 1916. The Muskegon-based Wisconsin-Michigan Steamship Co. purchased the JUNIATA in 1940, and
converted her into the "streamlined ferry" MILWAUKEE CLIPPER. She could carry up to 900 passengers and 120
automobiles. Sailing from 1941, the MILWAUKEE CLIPPER operated for 39 years until the Wisconsin-Michigan
Steamship Co. until retired in 1970. Laid up at Muskegon for eight years, MILWAUKEE CLIPPER was eventually
sold and towed to Chicago's Navy Pier as a floating attraction. The Hammond Port Authority bought the ship in
1990 and attempted to make her into an attraction for the Lake Michigan Marina. MILWAUKEE CLIPPER was towed
to Muskegon in late 1997 after being purchased by a nonprofit group with plans to convert her into a floating
museum and convention center. She is now is berthed at the foot of McCracken Street, where she is being restored.
Please visit www.milwaukeeclipper.com where you will find information and
photographs of this important vessel, plus a donation page to assist in her preservation.
PONT-AVEN Delayed Again
August 18: Brittany Ferries' new flagship PONT-AVEN sailed from Brest today after repairs to
the ship's sea water intake valves were completed (see August 13). However, she never made it to Plymouth.
Off Ushant, the cruiseship style ferry was forced to turn back to Brest again after two of her three
generators broke down. It was reported that the problems were related to the initial repair. It is not known
how long further repairs will take.
Liner Olympics
August 13: The Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens have begun and a fleet of ships are in use as accommodation
vessels. QUEEN MARY 2, AIDAAURA, OCEAN COUNTESS, WORLD RENAISSANCE, SILVER WHISPER, SILVER WIND, ROTTERDAM,
WESTERDAM, WIND STAR and WIND SPIRIT will host dignataries and corporations in a special zone protected by
thousands of elite commandos and soldiers, barbed-wire fences fitted with motion sensors, surveillance cameras,
X-ray machines and detectors for radiological, chemical and biological materials. Underwater movements are
being monitored while helicopters keep watch overhead.
Flooding Takes PONT-AVEN Out Of Service
August 13: Brittany Ferries new flagship PONT-AVEN, sailed without passengers for Plymouth, England for repairs
at for Brest today. A cracked cooling valve allowed over 1,200 tons of seawater to flood the ship's engine section
on Tuesday, August 10 while she was docked in Plymouth. Brittany Ferries is now investigating whether the fault
originated with the builder or the parts manufacturer. PONT-AVEN was built at Meyer Werft and delivered in late
March at a cost of US$182million. The ferry will have to be re-inspected by the marine safety company Bureau Veritas
before it is re-issued with a passenger certificate. Brittany Ferries' DUC DE NORMANDIE was diverted to Poole as
Plymounth dock was occupied by PONT-AVEN. In a statement Brittany Ferries said: "It is hoped that PONT-AVEN will
resume normal service next week but this cannot definitely be confirmed until investigations at Brest have been completed."
QM2 Arrives In Greece For Olympic Games
August 11: QUEEN MARY 2 docked in the port of Piraeus, carrying a host of visitors and dignitaries attending
the Olympic Games, which start on Friday in Athens. The QM2 will house some 1,800 visitors, reportedly
including British Prime Minister Tony Blair and family. Security in the port has been expanded and it
is now sealed off to the public while it is patrolled by armed police and soldiers.
SS ROBIN needs crew!
August 11: SS ROBIN Trust is building a national centre for photojournalism onboard the world's oldest
complete steamship in Canary Wharf, London. Conservation work has started on the on the original steam engine,
thanks to a newly formed engine room team, but SS ROBIN urgently seeks volunteers to help improve the deckwork
and electrics. Volunteering opportunities exist for gallery supervisors, electricians, carpenters, engineers,
teachers, tour guides, fundraising/admin support, conservation & restoration work.
The Gallery is now open, currently showing "Beyond The Fall", a collection of images documenting
the decline of the Soviet Union by Anthony Suau. Please contact Project Director, David Kampfner at
SS Robin Trust (Registered Charity No 1095884) info@ssrobin.com
www.ssrobin.com or by phone at: 020 7538 0652. Address: West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, London, UK. E14 4AE.
ORIANA Update
August 7: Restoration of 1960-built SS ORIANA (a static resort ship in Dalian, China since 2000) is considered more
difficult than anticipated, according to news reports from China. Repairs to the badly listing ship may take three
months while both technical and finacial problems remain to be solved. A budget estimate puts the cost at between
US42 million and US80 million dollars. A plan employing underwater blasting is being considered but runs the risk
of further damaging the ship.
August In Alang
August 6: VICTORIA I (ex DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, VICTORIA, THE VICTORIA, PRINCESA VICTORIA) was beached yesterday.
The end of a long and valiant career as a passenger liner, armed troop transport, and pioneering cruise ship
has finally come to pass. The 1936-built vessel has sat for weeks at Jamnagar waiting for scrap prices to
rebound and has been the ongoing subject of desperate last minute rumors for salvation, most noteably as a
floating hotel at Londons wetlands.
As monsoons pound the Gujarat region, VICTORIA is reportedly beached quite far out and it will take some
time to winch her closer toward the cutters.
The ferries NOURA I and TALYA are well in progress, with bows sliced off as HARMONY I (ex STATENDAM,
RHAPSODY, REGENT STAR, SEA HARMONY) continues to disappear into the mud-soaked beach.
Meanwhile, the final remnants of ASSEDO's (ex SHOTA RUSTAVELI) keel plates are being removed
and work continues on the now unrecognizeable remnants of APOLLO (ex EMPRESS OF CANADA, MARDI
GRAS, STAR OF TEXAS, LUCKY STAR, OLYMPIC 2004, APOLLON), GENOA (ex SYLVANIA, FAIRWIND, DAWN
PRINCESS, ALBATROS), and SALONA (ex IVERNIA, FRANCONIA, FEDOR SHALYAPIN).
Terrorist Plot Against Ocean Liner Foiled
August 5: According to UK press reports a terrorist plot to blow up QE2 during
a cruise was uncovered. Islamic militants planned to blow up the Cunard liner when
she arrived in South Africa earlier this year. It was believed the ship could have
come under fire in port at Durban or Cape Town.
Evidence of the plot emerged after police in Pakistan captured two South African suspects
following a 12-hour gun battle. Pakistani officials said the QE2 was among other targets selected by the two,
who were captured along with a senior al-Qaida terrorist. Cunard never comments on any matter
connected with the security of the their vessels.
What Makes A Passenger Legendary?
August 2: Maritime Matters received a request from Andrew O. Coggins, Jr. who asks,
"I'm in the final stages of writing my Ph.D. dissertation on "What makes a passenger ship a legend."
My last phase of research is a survey on legendary passenger ships. I've been having great difficulty getting
enough responses. The survey is located at:
https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1068495612655
Disclaimer: MaritimeMatters.com is not associated with this survey, merely presenting a researcher with a opportunity to reach
an audience. Survey will last one week on this page.
CLIPPER ODYSSEY Aground
August 1: Clipper Cruise Line's 1989-built CLIPPER ODYSSEY (ex OCEANIC ODYSSEY, OCEANIC GRACE)
ran aground on rocks off the Aleutian Islands. 153 passengers and crew were transfered to other
ships while fuel spilled from a ruptured tank, the US Coast Guard said. No injuries were reported
and 5,218-ton ship floated free with the tide the following day. The accident occurred at about
9:15 PM Saturday, July 31 and punctured both a 5,800-gallon fuel tank on the port side and a
waste water tank. The size of the fuel spill had not been determined. A freighter and nearby
fishing boats rescued the passengers and crew and delivered them to the port of Unalaska,
about 40 miles from the accident. 35 crew remained aboard to assist in retrieving the ship,
which was able to sail under its own power to Unalaska.
SS UNITED STATES In The Press
July 31: Press reports reveal NCL's plans for the SS UNITED STATES, (laid up at Philadelphia
for eight years, out of service since 1969). Colin Veitch, chief executive officer of
Miami-based NCL Corporation, owners of the 990-foot ocean liner, says he thinks the SS
UNITED STATES can turn a profit. The plan calls for cruises between the US East and
West Coasts, via the Panama Canal. The advantage of the vessel being registered in the
US means that under the Passenger Shipping Act, she could sail an itinerary impossible
for foreign-built ships. However, the cost of rebuilding may be US$500 million, much
greater than building a new ship. NCL ordered a nine-month feasibility study involving
naval architects, engineers, safety inspectors, and shipyards in the United States and
Europe. NCL bought the SS UNITED STATES in April 2003 from the estate of Edward A. Cantor,
who died before he could bring his dream of reviving the ship to reality. NCL also bought
the 1951-built SS INDEPENDENCE (the only other US registered
passenger ship still in functioning order) at the time after American Classic Voyages filed
for bankruptcy. The success of any plan involving the SS UNITED STATES is very much linked
to NCL's new interisland Hawaiian service. By 2006, NCL America expect have three US-registered
ships in Hawaii.
If the plan to revive the 52-year old SS UNITED STATES goes forward, the first phase of
the work focusing on the hull and propulsion system would be done in the US. She would
then be towed to Europe, where the superstructure and interiors would be built. Colin
Veitch said the ship could be sailing by 2010.
ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS Stretched
July 28: Royal Caribbean International has announced a lengthening and refurbishing of the
1997-built ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS. A 73-foot midsection built by Kvaerner Masa-Yards will be
inserted into the Vision-class ship at the Keppel Verolme Shipyard in Rotterdam, Holland.
This will increase the vessel's overall length to 990 feet and her tonnage from 74,140 to 80,700 gt.
The new section will add 151 staterooms and a number of indoor and outdoor public areas. Existing
spaces will also be extensively reconditioned. The ship's pool deck, main dining room, shopping
area, casino, jogging track, fitness facility, day spa and art gallery will all be be expanded
and revitalized. The press release claims that the line was the first in the cruise industry to
lengthen a cruise ship in 1978, when an 85-foot section was inserted into the SONG OF NORWAY.
ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS will be out of service from May until July 2005.
Cunard Gets a Welcome Perspective
July 28: On July 16th Maritime Matters reported that Carnival Corporation announced a major corporate
restructuring for Cunard Line. Cunard will operate from the same offices of P&O Princess at Santa Clarita,
California (near Los Angeles). To offer some historical perspective and to welcome Cunard to California,
Maritime Matters invited local maritime writer Gordon R. Ghareeb to illustrate Cunard's links with the
Golden State please click here for Cunard in California.
MSC Has VISION and Sees STARS
July 27: Mediterranean Shipping Company bought the former Festival Cruises EUROPEAN STARS
for about US$270 million. The vessel was auctioned in Barcelcona July 16 with no bidders,
but later the purchase was announced. The EUROPEAN STARS' sister ship,EUROPEAN VISION, was
bought at auction by MSC in April 2004 and renamed MSC ARMONIA. The 1,550-passenger EUROPEAN
STARS will begin sailing in Mediterranean service in March 2005 from Genoa after a refit
in Naples. She will be renamed MSC SINFONIA. This latest purchase brings MSC's fleet
to seven ships: MSC OPERA, MSC LIRICA, MELODY, MONTEREY, RHAPSODY, MSC ARMONIA and MSC SINFONIA.
MSC has placed an order for two new vessels at the French shipyard of Chantiers de l'Atlantique
for delivery 2006-07.
INDEPENDENCE in San Francisco
July 26: As dawn broke over San Francisco this morning, a classic ship was seen at pier 70:
The SS INDEPENDENCE (ex INDEPENDENCE, SEA LUCK 1,
OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE) had returned. She was brought over to the Pier 70 complex before daybreak
from lay up at Mare Island and is expected to remain there for a while. The reason for the move is
a silting problem at Mare Island, where low tides found the ship resting on the mud, prompting NCL
to arrange a minimum rental at a little used berth at the pier 70 complex. She will remain there for an indefinite period
with no actual work scheduled. INDEPENDENCE is currently owned by NCL America, who recently
brought US-flagged PRIDE OF ALOHA (ex NORWEGIAN SKY) to Hawaiian cruising.
Investors Discuss Norway
July 26: Hamburg and Munich-based investors and consultants are reportedly in talks with the Hamburg city authorities
about using the laid-up SS NORWAY as a floating hotel, leisure centre and casino.
Negotiations are said to be continuing with NCL over the vessel's sale. If the city of Hamburg gives its approval to the plan,
consultants Treugast would carry out a feasibility study. However, no suitable berth has yet been located in Hamburg
and the city is demanding a guarantee that would leave it free from financial burdens related to the project.
Similar plans by a Bremen state-owned tourist company were dropped when Lloyd Werft warned of the high maintenance costs.
Hamburg is said to be competing with Amsterdam, Holland and Le Havre, France for the ship.
Shipyard Fire Damages Island Ferry
July 22: MV DWEEP SETHU suffered an engine room fire while drydocked at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd, India.
Fire tenders from nearby areas rushed to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vessel had been in
the CSL drydock for one month for annual repairs. Welding work might have caused the fire. No injuries were reported.
The passenger vessel belongs to the Lakshadweep administration of the Union Territory of India. Lakshadweep
is an archipelago consisting of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. It is comprised of ten
inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands attached islets, four newly formed islets and 5 submerged reefs.
The inhabited islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni and Minicoy.
The closest coastal city is Kochi in Kerala, on the Arabian sea.
Rogues Not So Rare
July 21: The European Space Agency has put out an article based on recent study proving that rogue waves,
once dismissed as a nautical myth, are in fact relatively frequent occurrences. The results from satellites
studies has helped establish the widespread existence of these huge waves. Severe weather has sunk
over 200 supertankers and container ships exceeding 200 meters in length during the last 20 years
and "rogue" waves are believed to have been the major factor. In February 1995 QUEEN ELIZABETH 2
met a 29-meter high rogue wave during a hurricane in the North Atlantic, In February and March 2001
two cruise ships the BREMEN and the CALEDONIA STAR both had their bridge windows smashed by
30-meter rogue waves in the South Atlantic, the former was left drifting without navigation or
propulsion. Radar data from the North Sea's Goma oil-field measured 466 "rogue" waves in 12
years, previously these were thought to be very rare events. In 2000 the European Union
initiated a scientific project called MaxWave to confirm the occurrence of rogue waves,
explain how they occur and consider their implications for ship and offshore structure design.
Using two spacecraft, ERS-1 and 2, the MaxWave team identified more than ten individual giant
waves around the globe above 25 meters in height in only a three week period. WaveAtlas, a
new research project will use two years worth of ERS data to create a worldwide atlas of
rogue waves. Two danger spots, one the Agulhas current off the east coast of South Africa,
and in the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, where current interacts with waves coming down
from the Labrador Sea have been identified. The project is scheduled to continue until the 2005.
MAGICA Returns To Sicily
July 21: COSTA MAGICA will be the next flagship of the Costa Crociere when completed. She sailed
from the yard at Sestri Ponente, Genoa and arrives tomorrow at Fincantieri of Palermo, Sicily for cleaning
and painting of the hull. In late July, she will to return to Sestri Ponente, conducting her official
trials during the crossing of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Part of the hull, was in fact built at Palermo
and launched on a traditional slipway in July 2002, then taken to Sestri Ponente, for continued
construction. November 3rd will be her official naming day in Genoa.
Gulf Wreck Survey
July 21: What has been dubbed "the world's most comprehensive deepwater shipwreck study" is about
to take place in the Gulf of Mexico. The 18-day expedition, formed by a consortium of academic
institutions, federal agencies, and commercial firms will be focusing on seven vessels lost
during World War II. An examination of how man-made structures like shipwrecks work as artificial
reefs will be conducted in the deep water with implications on the thousands of oil and
gas platforms in the area. The US$1.2 million project hopes to explore archaeological,
historical and biological questions related to deepwater wrecks. It is believed that there
were some 56 ships sunk by German U-boats during World War II, within a few months in 1942.
One of the wrecks is that of the only German submarine believed sunk in the Gulf, U-166.
Another is a cargo ship that went down in 6,500 feet of water carrying a load of ore;
the passenger ship ROBERT E. LEE; a Navy escort; and others.
Britain Axes Navy Ships
July 21: UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon today announced large cuts in British armed
forces as part of modernisation plans. By 2008 the Royal Air Force will loose 7,500
jobs and the Royal Navy 1,500 while some 10,000 civilian posts also go. Aircraft, tank
and ship numbers will be reduced. The Royal Navy will increase its fleet by adding two
new large aircraft carriers, while the oldest destroyers - HMS CARDIFF, HMS NEWCASTLE
and HMS GLASGOW will be decommissioned by the end of 2005. Three anti-submarine
frigates - HMS NORFOLK, HMS MARLBOROUGH and HMS GRAFTON will be disposed of the following year.
COSTA MAGICA Floats
July 19: News from Sestri Cantiere Navale has Costa's new 105,000-grt, 2,740-passenger COSTA MAGICA
floated out. COSTA MAGICA will join her sister COSTA FORTUNA as "the largest passenger ships in
Italian seafaring history." COSTA MAGICA's inauguration in November will mark the final
phase of Costa's fleet expansion since being acquired by Carnival Corporation, which has
increased its capacity by 63 percent in the last two years.
CARPATHIA Gets A Visit
July 18: Cunard's CARPATHIA became famous when she picked up the TITANIC's survivors in 1912.
She was later sunk by a German U-boat during WWI. An international dive team is preparing to
become the first to film the wreck, which lies in 500 ft. of water 300 miles west of
Plymouth and 160 miles south-east of Ireland. The 13-person team hopes to recover
the ship's nameplate from the bow and her bell.
Cunard Goes West
July 16: Carnival Corporation have announced a major corporate restructuring for Cunard Line,
whose operations will be relocated from Miami, Florida to Santa Clarita, California (near Los Angeles),
to the campus where Princess Cruises is currently based. Pamela Conover, currently president of
Cunard, will become senior vice president of Carnival Shared Services. No new Cunard president
has been announced and all the company's executives will report to Peter Ratcliffe, the CEO
of Carnival Corporation's P&O Princess division
REMBRANDT At The Rock
July 12: REMBRANDT (ex ROTTERDAM) arrived at Gibraltar today. She berthed at the main wharf at Cammell
Laird (Gibraltar) Ltd. after her journey from lengthy lay up in The Bahamas. Towed by the tug ENGLISHMAN,
she began the transatlantic transit June 17. According to the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation: "From now
until early next year the S.S. ROTTERDAM will be restored and repainted with her original grey hull.
She will probably make her final voyage to Rotterdam in April 2005."
http://www.ssrotterdam.net/
Two Alang Bits
July 10: Work on GENOA (ex SYLVANIA, FAIRWIND, DAWN PRINCESS, ALBATROS) has progressed rapidly since the removal of the ships fittings
and fixtures earlier this year. She is now cut back to her aft third, with a small platform of her former superstructure still visible.
HARMONY I (ex STATENDAM, RHAPSODY, REGENT STAR, SEA HARMONY) has just begun to fall under the torch with her fo'c'sle head now gone
and her fittings and furniture gathered in various lounges and stairtowers. Most of these items will remain onboard the ship until
the monsoon season slows down.
ARTSHIP Reprieve Refused
July 10: Judge Jo-Lynne Lee of Alameda County Superior Court told Susan Brandt-Hawley,
who represents the preservation group Friends Of The USS CRESCENT CITY, a group that wants
to preserve the 1940-built ARTSHIP, that the vessel's sale by the Port of Oakland to a Texas
demolition firm could not be cancelled.
The Hayward judge said state environmental laws cited in a lawsuit against the port
were somewhat persuasive but could not dispute the fact that the sale had already been completed.
Brandt-Hawley indicated attorneys for the ship preservation group would meet Thursday with
attorneys representing Esco Marine Inc., the Brownsville, Texas, company that bought ARTSHIP
(currently laid up at Mare Island, California) from the port in February.
Oakland-based Rick Jarvis, Esco Marine's attorney, said, "As far as my client is concerned,
it's over, unless (the preservation group files) an appeal." There was also some speculation
that Esco might find another use for the ship instead of scrapping.
NCL America's Next Ship
July 7: PRIDE OF AMERICA was to have been the first vessel in the new US-flagged Hawaiian cruise ship venture by NCL America.
After the unfinished ship was damaged in a storm at the shipyard, PRIDE OF ALOHA (ex NORWEGIAN SKY) ushered in the new era of
inter-island cruising on July 4th, 2004. PRIDE OF AMERICA will follow a year later in July 2005.
NCL has announced yet another vessel for the Hawaiian fleet, the PRIDE OF HAWAII, will be built, using the parts originaly
ordered and prepared for the second Project America ship, which was to have been constructed at Pascagoula, MI.
The materials for this vessel were packed inside the hull of her more complete sister, PRIDE OF AMERICA,
and then towed to Germany. The PRIDE OF HAWAII will be completed Spring 2006.
Anthony Cooke on RMS QUEEN MARY
July 7: RMS QUEEN MARY Foundation presented Anthony Cooke and his shipboard lecture, "Let's Get Away From It All
(A Light-hearted History of Cruising)" in Long Beach, CA tonight. Mr. Cooke, a well-known British maritime author,
publisher and lecturer, established Carmania Press (now considered one of the best-known publishers of books on
maritime subjects, particularly ocean liners). The presentation, featuring the first MAURETANIA, STELLA POLARIS,
CARONIA, SAGAFJORD, SUNWARD, QE2 and QUEEN MARY, was a fundraiser with all proceeds dedicated to the historic
preservation and restoration of the RMS QUEEN MARY.
ORIANA Not Over
July 6: Despite reports from the Xinhua news agency and other Australian sources that the 1960-built SS ORIANA
(currently serving as a static resort ship in Dalian, China) has now sunk, reliable witnesses report the ship
remains at a similar degree of list after gales lashed the liner on June 18. Maritimematters' sources report
that contracts for her salvage have been signed and the job has begun. (It is possible that the confusion
stems from translations of earlier reports being misunderstood.)
SEARCHER Meets LEISURE
July 5: The Norwegian oil services company Northern Offshore Ltd. announced that one of its drill ships, ENERGY SEARCHER,
collided with a passenger vessel late Sunday morning, resulting in severe damage, including a hole in one of the ship's tanks.
Repairs were expected to take about two weeks and cost $1 million, including lost revenue. The accident happened off Singapore.
Not reported until later was the identity of the passenger ship, now revealed as the casino ship LEISURE WORLD (ex SKYWARD).
Damage to LEISURE WORLD was described as "a few minor scratches and dents".
NCL Names PRIDE
July 4: Wife of US Senator Daniel Inouye, Maggie Inoye, released the champagne bottle against the hull of the now US-flagged
PRIDE OF ALOHA inaugurating the Hawaiian interisland serivce on July 4th. The scene at pier 40 in Honolulu looked like an
old-fashioned Boat Day with hula dancers, the Honolulu Boys' Choir and the Royal Hawaiian Band with the backdrop of the
Aloha Tower. The PRIDE OF ALOHA (ex NORWEGIAN SKY) sailed for Kauai on her seven-day itinerary, visiting Honolulu,
overnighting in Nawiliwili, Hilo, Kona, and Kahului. About half of the crew are Hawaii residents. NCL announced that
the next ship it intended for the US-flagged all-Hawaii service, will be PRIDE OF AMERICA delivered June 6, 2005.
OLVIA Detained In London
July 2: Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency detained the Ukrainian-flagged passenger ship OLVIA (ex KARELIYA) at Tilbury for one day,
listing 21 deficiencies. According to news reports, 1976-built ship was detained while carrying 384 passengers and 233 crew when
it was found to have major violations including: unmarked means of escape; improperly maintained door closures;
inoperative radar and out-of-date nautical publications. Other issues listed were: parasites on board; food stores and
galleys infested with cockroaches; poor quality of drinking water. OLVIA was converted from a passenger ro-ro ferry,
and operated by V&V Enterprises of Odessa.
PRIDE OF ALOHA Arrives
June 27: Norwegian Cruise Lines' PRIDE OF ALOHA (ex NORWEGIAN SKY) arrived off Hilo today. A group of several
dozen Native Hawaiian activists protested and police were called when traffic was affected. No arrests were made.
The ship is fresh from her multimillion dollar refurbishment in San Francisco and replaces the newbuilding PRIDE
OF AMERICA, which was to have inaugurated the interisland service but was damaged in a storm in at Bremerhaven.
Senator Daniel Inouye's wife Margaret will officially name the ship in a July 4th ceremony in Honolulu.
More ORIANA
June 27: Work is underway to right the listing resort ship ORIANA at her pier at Dalian, China after a gale caused the ship to heel
over. Her bow sustained a crack 2 meters in length which took underwater welding to seal. The pumping of water in the hull can begin
and is expected to take 10 days. For recent news photos check this link ORIANA news photos.
QM2 Bathroom Flap
QM2 Bathroom Flap
June 24: A claim that QM2 fails to meet fire standards has the news wires buzzing today.
Cunard Line is now making plans to alter the bathrooms in all of the ship's 1,300
cabins and will increasing fire patrols in the meantime. Carnival reportedly was
notified by Britain's Marine and Coastguard Agency that panels in 900 of the
bathrooms do not fully meet fire regulation standards.
Updates On The Alang "Gang"
June 22: As the last keel plates of the STELLA SOLARIS (ex CAMBODGE, STELLA V) and MAYAN EMPRESS
(ex WINSTON CHURCHILL) are sent off to Indian smelters, the NEW ORLEANS (ex ARGENTINA, ENCHANTED ISLE, etc.)
is now down to the final stages of dismantling with only a waterline height segment of her aft quarters remaining.
APOLLO (ex EMPRESS OF CANADA, MARDI GRAS, etc.) is 60% finished with majestic funnel and forward superstructure
missing. Just the aft galley vents point skyward to positively identify the last ship built for Canadian
Pacific's transatlantic service. SALONA (ex IVERNIA, FRANCONIA, FEDOR SHALYAPIN) is 50% demolished. Our local
Alang contact was onboard a neighboring ship last week when he heard metal screeching, looking over toward SALONA
to witness her funnel crash forward into the well that was once her wheelhouse superstructure. The ASSEDO (ex SHOTA RUSTAVELI)
has been cut beyond recognition and will be finished off in the next couple of weeks. GENOA (ex SYLVANIA, ALBATROS, etc.)
is now 50% gone while newcomer HARMONY I (ex STATENDAM, REGENT STAR, etc.) has been spared cutting thus far as attempts
are made to bring her closer to shore. NOURA I (ex FINNPARTNER, IALYSOS, etc.) and REGAL V (ex MASSALIA, CANDI, etc.)
also await the cutting process. Meanwhile, VICTORIA I (ex DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, VICTORIA, etc.) is berthed some 250 km
away at Jamnagar as her resale to Indian breakers is renegotiated in light of the recent drastic devaluation of scrap metal prices.
A container of materials culled from STELLA SOLARIS, STELLA OCEANIS, FEDOR SHALYAPIN, APOLLON, etc. is due to arrive in
Los Angeles shortly. Many of the items (navigation equipment, chairs, tables, art panels) will be available for purchase.
Please contact Peter Knego if you would like to be
notified when these one-of-a-kind materials are put on sale.
ALOHA Means Good Bye?
June 22: NCL America's 77,104 gross ton MV PRIDE OF ALOHA left the US West Coast for Hawaii yesterday
nearly three hours late (7:50 PM) following two days pierside at San Francisco, reportedly to give
the ship's new American crew a "rest" after a grueling two weeks of start up challenges. The ship's
two night travel agent preview voyage scheduled for Friday, June 18 was canceled on Thursday, June 17,
leaving many members of the industry who had journeyed from across the nation stranded in San Francisco.
A last-minute "conciliatory" luncheon was offered at 11:00 AM on Friday, but notice was not received
in time for some of these personnel to RSVP. Reports from several people who did attend the luncheon
and inspection indicate the ship was far from ready with pool retiling in progress and new carpeting
being installed in the stairtowers. Other industry people who attended the two night preview cruise
from Los Angeles the prior week relayed that service on board was subpar with three hour waits for
the ship's specialty restaurants and frequently slow or surly bar and cabin attendants. There has
also been much speculation about crew unrest and walkouts, which might account for the last minute
cancellation of the San Francisco preview cruise and another two night departure from Honolulu on July 4.
Maritimematters hopes these start up issues will be quickly, carefully and fully rectified. Similar
problems plagued the newly formed United States Cruise Line in 2001 with the introduction of its
reflagged MV PATRIOT (ex NIEUW AMSTERDAM), ultimately contributing to the collapse of that operation
and its parent company American Hawaii Cruises. With so much on the line (the newbuilding PRIDE OF
AMERICA and the possible rebuilding and reactivation of the classic American ocean liners UNITED STATES
and INDEPENDENCE) we wish NCL America smoother sailing in the days and weeks to come.
Just before PRIDE OF ALOHA made her late departure, a garbage barge was removed from the ship. Hopefully
the renovations and crew problems are now rectified and the vessel, which looked very handsome in
the afternoon light with swirling lei hull decals and new funnel livery will soon live up to the high
expectations set by NCL.
Paddle Steamer WAVERLEY Runs Aground
June 22: PS WAVERLEY ran aground with 350 passengers on board off Campbeltown, Argyll,
on June 19. Lifeboat crews were called out and the paddle steamer was escorted back to
harbour for inspection. Dubbed "the world's last ocean-going paddle steamer", the
1947-built WAVERLEY was delayed for two hours and then set sail again for Arran around 6pm.
Hope Dangles At Dalian
June 22: A crane-carrying salvage vessel has moored alongside the listing ORIANA in Dalian, China (see below).
1960 ORIANA Listing
June 18: The static resort vessel heeled away from the pier at Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province beginning at about 2am.
She now lists heavily and appears partially sunk and at risk of capsizing. (Not to be confused
with the current P&O cruise liner of the same name currently in service). A gale was reported to have caused the accident.
For recent news photos check this link ORIANA News photos.
An Excerpt from Peter Knego's The Making of World's Passenger Fleet Vol 8:
"(ORIANA) withdrawn from service in 1986. Her new owners, Daiwa House, gutted
and rebuilt her interiors into large museum spaces and restaurants to serve as a museum and hotel at Beppu, Japan.
The venture was not a success and ORIANA was sold to Chinese interests for a similar role at Qinhuangdao in 1995.
She next went to Shanghai in 1998, but was only open for a year. In 2000, ORIANA was sold to Dalian-based owners
and refurbished for a static role in that Chinese resort area."
REMBRANDT is Towed From Freeport
June 17: In an rare moment of good news for the worlds older passenger fleet, the REMBRANDT (ex- ROTTERDAM)
was towed from lay up at Freeport, Bahamas, where she has languished since September 2000. Towed by the tug ENGLISHMAN
for a transatlantic voyage she is heading for Gibraltar. It is expected that the she will arrive at the Camell Laird yard
where the renovation will take place on July 10. Later in the year the ship will be drydocked her original livery will be restored
for her new role as static museum ship and hotel at Rotterdam. The final leg of the voyage to her permanent berth
is expected to take place next Spring, with the an inauguration expected for September of 2005.
Click here for www.ssrotterdam.net.
The Tired Of ALOHA
June 17: Norwegian Cruise Line took the unprecedented step of canceling the
June 18th two-day travel agent cruise on PRIDE OF ALOHA, to give the ship's 800
crew members "a well-deserved rest in preparation for the 12-day transpacific
cruise to Hawaii". A further overnight cruise on July 2 also was canceled to
give the crew an opportunity to "recharge". The former NORWEGIAN SKY is now
scheduled to sail the 12-day revenue cruise to Hawaii on June 20, followed by
her inaugural Hawaiian sailing on July 4.
FOUR SEASONS envisioned
June 17: Kvaerner Masa-Yards signed a contract with FS Ocean Club Ltd.,
managed by Ocean Development Group, to construct a 42,500 gt luxury residential
ship to be managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The ship, to be named the
M/S FOUR SEASONS, will be approximately 200 meters in length and will feature
100 spacious residences varying from 125 square meters to 320 square meters.
The value of the contract is approximately Euro276 million. Construction is
expected to begin July 2005.
Sophia Names OPERA - corrected
June 16: Sophia Loren will name MSC Cruises' newest ship, the OPERA in Genoa, Italy June 26.
It will be the second time the actress has played the godmother role for the Italian-based company.
Last year she named the OPERA's sister ship, the LIRICA. The 60,000-ton, 1,760-passenger vessel
OPERA was delivered earlier this month from the Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
OPERA will sail in the Mediterranean (where children sharing a cabin with adults will sail free)
then repositions to Fort Lauderdale in November.
Hope For Former ROTTERDAM
June 16: The "Steamship Rotterdam Foundation" announced that the City of
Rotterdam's mayoral court has made a decision to the berth the 1959-built former
ROTTERDAM (presently laid up in Freeport, Bahamas as REMBRANDT) in the
Rivierkwartier ("River Quarter" -- the west part of Katendrecht at the entrance of the
Maashaven, Holland). A Polish tug ENGLISHMAN arrived in Freeport June 14th
and is preparing to tow the former Holland America Line ship across the
Atlantic. The ship will be taken to Gibraltar for drydocking where she is expected to
arrive in early July. Click here for www.ssrotterdam.net
SouthamptonShips.com Goes Live with QM2 Pad
June 14: Luke Sanderson's www.SouthamptonShips.com has gone live.
This enthusiast site with excellent photography of recent ship visitors to Southampton is
constantly updated. A special QM2 mouse pad has been issued to celebrate the
site inauguration and is fully described and pictured on
MaritimeMatters ShippingMall - QUEEN MARY 2.
SAPPHIRE PRINCESS Named
June 10: Today's naming of Princess Cruises' new 2,674-passenger SAPPHIRE PRINCESS
in Seattle completes an unprecedented period in which Carnival Corporation has introduced seven
ships in under seven months. The new ship parade began when the company's Italian brand,
Costa Cruises, introduced the 2,720-passenger COSTA FORTUNA in late November 2003.
In January 2004, Cunard Line introduced the 151,000-ton QUEEN MARY 2 followed by Carnival
Cruise Lines 2,124-passenger CARNIVAL MIRACLE in February, Princess Cruises' 2,674-passenger
DIAMOND PRINCESS in March, and the 3,114-passenger CARIBBEAN PRINCESS and Holland America Lines
1,848-passenger WESTERDAM in April. The SAPPHIRE PRINCESS was named by Nancy Murkowski, the First Lady of Alaska,
in a ceremony which included the display of the world's largest carved sapphire, The Millennium Sapphire. The ship
sails on its inaugural voyage June 13, 2004.
End Of REGAL's Voyage
June 8: REGAL V (ex MASSALIA, CANDI, REGAL VOYAGER, etc.) was beached at Alang for demolition in late May.
PRIDE OF ALOHA From NORWEGIAN SKY
June 7: 1999-built NORWEGIAN SKY becomes PRIDE OF ALOHA the first U.S.-flag cruise ship since INDEPENDENCE and first modern ocean going cruise
ship to fly the US flag in almost 50 years. The 2,000-passenger PRIDE OF ALOHA recently completed a multi-million dollar refit
in San Francisco and will complete a series of Pacific Coastal cruises in June before sailing for
her new homeport, Honolulu.
THE WORLD's PASSENGER FLEET, VOLUME EIGHT Delivered And Ready To "Sale"
June 4: PK Production's latest video is now available, offering rare views of no less than fifty passenger ships from around
the world, including: the SS ORIANA at Shanghai, the SS THE TOPAZ during her maiden visit to Vancouver; the scrap-bound
SS OCEAN EXPLORER I and SS ARTSHIP; the recently lost SS SEABREEZE I in her final Premier livery; the MV REGAL EMPRESS
in Imperial Majesty colors; new footage of MV ATALANTE at Simi Island; the MV SERENADE departing Limassol; and the
SS NORWAY sailing from Miami in her latest livery. QE2 is featured departing Los Angeles with her thunderous whistle
blasting, while the new and impressive megaships MILLENNIUM, SUMMIT, GOLDEN PRINCESS, and CARNIVAL TRIUMPH also sail
past. There is even a parting glance of ASSEDO on the beach at Alang from last February in a state of partial demolition.
Click here for the full story and here for ordering information.
EXPLORER For An EXPLORER
June 4: UNIVERSE EXPLORER (ex BRASIL, VOLENDAM, MONARCH SUN, VOLENDAM, MONARCH SUN, ISLAND SUN, LIBERTE, CANADA
STAR, QUEEN OF BERMUDA, ENCHANTED SEAS), currently laid up in Portland, OR, will be replaced by OLYMPIA EXPLORER,
which has just arrived in Portland after several months layup in Long Beach, CA. Her fate remains undecided,
although her sister, NEW ORLEANS (former ARGENTINA, VEENDAM, BRASIL, VEENDAM, MONARCH STAR, VEENDAM, MONARCH
STAR, BERMUDA STAR, ENCHANTED ISLE) is now almost completely demolished, having arrived at Alang, India, late
last year for scrapping.
Pang of Alang
June 3: New images from Alang reveal the following about key passenger ships recently delivered for breaking:
NOURA I (ex FINNPARTNER, IALYSOS, etc.) is beached well out from shore as attempts are made to winch her in.
She was reported delivered to Alang breakers late last year but these reports were incorrect.
HARMONY I (ex STATENDAM, RHAPSODY, REGENT STAR, SEA HARMONY) is still too far out for scrapping. It is expected
that work will commence soon as she is slowly dragged closer to shore and out of an area of strong currents.
VICTORIA I (ex DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, VICTORIA, THE VICTORIA, PRINCESA VICTORIA), although reported delivered to
shipbreakers, has not been sighted by our local agent. Perhaps she is one of many vessels at anchor in the Gulf of
Cambay awaiting a breaking yard as scrap prices recently plummeted. In the meantime, it seems yet another last
minute attempt to save a vintage passenger ship from scrapping has failed.
MAYAN EMPRESS (ex WINSTON CHURCHILL) has been reduced to just a keel with only a small portion of inboard
aft superstructure still visible.
STELLA SOLARIS (ex CAMBODGE, STELLA V) is now just a keel plate or two and is virtually unrecognizable
as the one time queen of Greek cruise ships.
A new arrival on the beach is the handsome red hulled MARIAM 4, the former JOCHEM STEFFEN, PRINSESSE ANN-MARIE of 1960.
No new news about the dismantling of GENOA (ex SYLVANIA, FAIRWIND, DAWN PRINCESS, ALBATROS), ASSEDO
(ex SHOTA RUSTAVELI), or SALONA (ex IVERNIA, FRANCONIA, FEDOR SHALYAPIN, and APOLLO (ex EMPRESS OF CANADA,
MARDI GRAS, STAR OF TEXAS, LUCKY STAR, OLYMPIC 2004, APOLLON).
Click here for SHIPPING NEWS from January - May 2004
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