Kvaerner Delivers Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas was delivered by Kvaerner Masa-Yards' Turku shipyard on September 28 to Royal Caribbean in time for its dedication and naming ceremony, which was held in New York on October 21. The second member of RCCL's Project Eagle series, the vessel follows the successful delivery of the class' premiere vessel. Voyager of the Seas, which was delivered last October.
Known as a member of the largest class of vessels in the world. Explorer has a gross tonnage of 137,300 and is able to hold 3,840 passengers. Measuring 1,020 ft. (311.1 m), the vessel boasts a breadth of 126 ft. (38.6 m) at waterline level and holds a height of 237 ft. (72.3 m) from keel to the top of the funnel.
The vessel's Post-Panamax size allows for the option of unique design features and interior solutions.
Upon its departure from New York, the vessel will steam south towards its homeport in Miami, Fla. to begin its first run of seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean.
Explorer's production process commenced in June 1998 with its dock out occurring in November 1999. Successful sea trials took place in June of this year. Classified by DNV, the vessel was constructed by the yard in conjunction with a variety of turnkey suppliers.
Design teams and architects that contributed to the project are comprised of the Norwegian firm Nijal R. Eide; Howard Snoweiss Design Group; Tom Graboski & Associates; Tillberg Design and Wilson Butler Lodge.
The vessel's power encompasses three azimuthing electric 14 MW Azipod units through 360-degrees, which was developed jointly by Kvaerner and ABB.
This podded electric propulsion system incorporates an electric AC motor located inside the propeller pod, which directly drives a fixed-pitch propeller.
So that it is able to manage four knots side winds, there are four 3 MW tunnel thrusters in the bow in addition to the Azipod units in the stern.
Sea trials proved that the vessel can move sideways with a speed of three knots.
Circle 73 on Reader Service Card
Other stories from November 2000 issue
Content
- Cornering the ULCC Niche page: 8
- The Future Of E-Commerce: Will The Maritime Industry Be Left Behind? page: 12
- Shipowners, Charterers Launch New Internet-Based Shipping Exchange page: 15
- Shipbuilders Complain To EU About S. Korean Subsidies page: 16
- Robert Allan Lands Fireboat Design Contract page: 16
- Tribon Solutions Signs Contract With DHI page: 18
- FBMA Babcock Secures TriCat Order page: 19
- Keppel Shipyard Is Awarded Jumboization Contract page: 19
- World Single Hull Tanker Phase-Out Is Coming page: 22
- INTERTANKO Calls For "Reasoned Solution" In Wake Of Single Hull Phase Out page: 23
- Exxon Mobil Appeal Rejected page: 24
- IMO Forum To Address High-Density Oil Spills page: 24
- Greek Ferry Disaster Will Result In Safety Enhancements page: 26
- New Safety Technology Unveiled page: 26
- Oil Instability, consolidation Muddy Offshore E&P Picture page: 27
- World Floater Market Is Stable page: 29
- Olympic Engine Selection Evokes Thoughts Of "Green" page: 31
- Volvo Penta Offers Larger Engine Range page: 33
- MTU Presents New 8000 Series page: 34
- ZF Fortifies Product Line, Business Plan page: 36
- ABS Innovates For Petrobras Project page: 40
- Environmentally Sound, Commercial Efficient Wastewater Treatment page: 45
- Ansell Jones Uniquely Serves Offshore Market page: 48
- Deepwater Business Prospects Ripe page: 49
- W&D Completes Moran Series page: 50
- Atlantic Marine Awarded Additional ATB Contract page: 50
- Klyne Tugs Orders AHTS From China page: 52
- What Happened to the Hunley: ? page: 58
- Companies Bond Together To Form American Salvage Association page: 64
- Gas Ship Design Challenges page: 66
- McAlear Named CEO Of Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard page: 73
- Historical Keel Laying Occurs At Ingalls page: 74
- Polish Shipbuilding Industry Consolidates, While Competition Continues To Boom page: 75
- PRS Seeks Strong Comeback, Stresses Safety page: 80
- New Marine Technology: The Hallmark of SMM 2000 page: 81
- The "Wired" Ship page: 88
- Flat Screens, Big Images page: 88
- Wartsila Unveils Plans For The Future page: 89
- Wartsila To Provide Power On Unique Icebreaking Tankers page: 90
- Kvaerner Delivers Explorer of the Seas page: 94
- The SatCom Shakeout page: 95