Imtech equips second TUI Cruise vessel

Rotterdam, 13 December 2010

Hamburg - Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik has been awarded a contract to carry out the renovation and expansion of the climate technology on board the second cruise vessel of TUI Cruises, ‘Mein Schiff 2’.

The vessel, which previously served under the name ‘Celebrity Mercury’, will be acquired by TUI Cruises at the end of February 2011. After renovation, it will go into service under the new name ‘Mein Schiff 2’ in May 2011. The vessel was built in 1997 at the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg (Germany) and at the time, Imtech supplied and installed the climate technology.

During the renovation in the spring of 2011 the cruise vessel will be upgraded and modernised for its new role as a ‘wellness vessel’. To this end, the intention is for example that the spa and fitness facilities will be expanded extensively and the restaurant and catering facilities onboard will be redesigned and extended. Multiple balconies and verandas will also be added to the ship.

Total refit of the Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning
As part of the renovation of the ship, Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik will realise the refit of the complete Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system, thereby making a considerable contribution to the comfort of the passengers and crew on board ‘Mein Schiff 2’. The renovation of the ship will already commence during the crossing from Baltimore on America’s east coast. The christening of the ship is planned on May 14, 2011.

“For every party involved in this conversion project, similar planning and logistical challenges arose to those we experienced two years ago during the renovation of the ‘Celebrity Galaxy’” commented Sven Hanke, Manager Service/Refit of Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik. “ ‘Celebrity Galaxy’ was renamed ‘Mein Schiff 1’ after its renovation, the first ship of TUI Cruises. With a renovation like this, it is a big advantage to know the vessel well, right from the new building phase. An additional success factor is that our team has the ability to adapt quickly to work according to the processes of the conversion yard, as well cooperating with other companies in the project and at the same time, remain flexible.”

Since the late nineties the refit and technical modernisation of HVAC systems for cruise vessels is one of the competencies of Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik. As well as the sister ships, ‘Celebrity Mercury’, ‘Celebrity Galaxy’ and ‘Celebrity Century’, refit projects have been carried out on several other luxury cruise vessels such as the ‘Norwegian Jade’, ‘Pride of Aloha’ and ‘Norwegian Spirit’.

Between 2010 and 2014, Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik will also supply and install the latest climate technology on six large new cruise vessels. Since the beginning of the nineties, Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik has worked on more than 30 large newbuild passenger vessels at shipyards in Germany and other countries. In addition to its expertise in the cruise industry Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik is one of the leading innovative partners in HVAC technology on board navy vessels with respect to newbuild projects as well as conversion, repair, maintenance and additional services.

Imtech: strong player in global marine market
Imtech Marine is a leading group of companies in the global maritime market, operating as a full-service provider and system integrator of tailor-made, innovative technology solutions covering the whole ship. Imtech Marine specialises in Automation (Platform and Bridge), Navigation & Communication including Connectivity, Energy & Drive systems, HVAC solutions and Fire Protection systems, Entertainment, Lighting and maritime services. Managing each project from pre-design and engineering through to commissioning, Imtech Marine provides innovative systems and reliable services during the operational life cycle of the ship. The group reached annual revenues of €550 million in 2009, employing 2,500 employees at more than 70 offices based along strategic shipping routes and close to shipbuilding centres.

Source: IMTECH press release