Shipbuilding group MVWerften is still a newbie but has caused quite a stir, especially with orders for large cruise vessels. In the initial phase after the takeover by Genting the river cruiser segment was substantial and continues to be so
A total of seven units marks the group’s order book, which has locations in Wismar, Warnemünde and Stralsund. Additionally, three[ds_preview] yachts of the Endeavor-class and two oceanic cruise liners of the Global-class are listed, and there are also two river cruisers of the Rhine-class. »Crystal Debussy« and »Crystal Ravel« will be commissioned in spring. Both are sisters of »Crystal Bach« and »Crystal Mahler« which were delivered in 2017. The newbuilds measure 135m in length at 11m with and a gauge of 1.65m and accomodate up to 110 passengers in 55 cabins. The vessels are being built in Wismar for the client Crystal River Cruises, which also belongs to the Genting Group. Currently, there is no indication that there will be direct follow-up orders in this segment. »Further orders for river cruisers are currently not in the order book. All capacities and processes are aimed at the two other mega-projects ›Crystal Endeavor‹ and ›Global‹,« the group confirms to HANSA.
Irrespective of this and even if the share of the overall portfolio is rather small, the segment was »very important« for the shipyard and continues to be so. »Implementing one or four construction projects in the start-up phase posed a real challenge, which started even before the founding of MV Werften, while at the same time we were promoting a comprehensive investment program and the preparations for Endeavor and Global were going on. But also an ideal opportunity to prove the shipbuilding abilities and the project management,« an MV Werften statement says.
The newbuilds are specially designed for Europe and, according to the shipyard, meet the highest safety and navigation standards, including a 24/7 operational bridge and rudder propellers. The design of the 6-star ships is based on private yachts. The majority of the public areas have glass walls and ceilings for enjoying the views during tours along the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers.
The company Brombach & Gess is responsible for the »Infinity« concept with a loggia window system. »In a conventional balcony cabin, the outdoor area can only be used in good weather conditions and at comfortable temperatures. The balcony is only available for the exterior area and protects privacy to the sides. The idea for a new concept starts right here,« Brombach & Gess explains. The balcony area becomes a permanent part of the cabins and can be used in its entirety, while maintaining privacy. The concept combines the benefits of an open area with those of a large cabin.
According to the company, the upper movable pane can be lowered in front of the fixed lower pane and, together with the movable handrail, it forms a glazed balustrade. The result is a »loggia«.
The window system is available with a maximum width of 3,000 mm and in the height of a cabin as required.
All window systems can be operated centrally from the ship’s bridge in case of an emergency situation. The frame for the window system is made from seawater resistant aluminum and all moveable parts and fittings are made of stainless steel. The window is screwed in the window area so that the ship movements will not cause interference with the window frame. An elastic gasket seal provides the necessary tightness of the window.
