Damen prepares Columbus for summer cruise season
26th June 2017
Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam (DSR), part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, has completed maintenance and repair works on the newest member of CMV’s fleet, the cruise ship Columbus. The full scope of works was concluded within a tight timescale, thus ensuring that the vessel sailed to the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, UK in time for her naming ceremony and inaugural cruise.
Several CMV vessels – the Astor, Marco Polo and the Magellan, for example – have made calls at various Damen repair yards in the past. The sheer size of the Columbus, however, meant that DSR was the suitable yard of choice in this instance.
“Not only is Columbus 245ms long, she also has a draught of 8.2 metres,” explains DSR Project Manager Vincent van Rulo. “For such vessel dimensions, the facilities that we have here at DSR are ideal. We feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to work with CMV’s latest addition to the fleet.”
Columbus arrived at the Rotterdam yard on 13 May and departed just over three weeks later on 5 June. With the overall aim of bringing the vessel into line with CMV’s high operational standards, Damen carried out a comprehensive scope of maintenance and repair jobs.
“After docking, we started straight away with a complete painting programme. This included the application of the company logos and markings of the new owners.”
Technical aspects included maintenance work on the main engines, generators and thrusters as well as polishing of the ship’s propellers. Numerous valves and pipelines of various ship’s systems were maintained and renewed or modified if required.
The work also included maintenance of all lifeboats, tenders and davits in addition to cleaning and repair of ship’s tanks.
The complexity of the project was heightened due to the fact that up to 700 crew members were staying on board while the ship was docked at the yard.
This substantial team of people was carrying out refitting and refurbishment of the vessel’s accommodation, shops, restaurants and recreational areas.
Their work also included handling the final supplies and other preparations for the vessel’s first cruise.
Since leaving Rotterdam, Columbus sailed on her first cruise under the CMV flag. “We are very pleased with this new addition to our fleet – Columbus has been well received by her first guests and the industry as a whole,” said CMV Chief Executive Officer Christian Verhounig.
“And, once again, we are very happy with the work that Damen Shiprepair has achieved in such a short space of time.”
