Klaus Nienaber
This super-large resort cruise ship started its first maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale on December[ds_preview] 1, 2010. It was delivered by Finnish STX Europe’s Turku Shipyard to US American Royal Caribbean International on October 28, 2010. It was named »Allure of the Seas« and is a twin-sister of »Oasis of the Seas« (225,282 GT; see HANSA 1/2010, page 20-23) which was delivered by the yard in October 2009 and has been an immense success to the cruise market.
Currently, both resort ships »Allure/Oasis of the Seas« are by far the largest cruise ships of the world (see HANSA 8/2010, page 31). They can be termed the most powerful (97 MW each) and sophisticated vessels in the world. They are also the culmination of more than 40 years of product development cooperation between the cruise line, the shipyard and the maritime cluster, still in existence in Scandinavia.
The »Allure of the Seas« can accommodate 6,360 passengers in 2,704 cabins at maximum or 5,400 passengers with two persons per cabin in standard accommodation. In comparison, the »Song of Norway« (18,400 GT), delivered to the same owner in 1970, carried only 724 passengers in 362 cabins; in other words the »Allure of the Seas« is some 12 times larger.
The building contract was signed on April 2, 2007, and the production started on February 4, 2008. Keel-laying took place on December 2, 2008, and the vessel swam up for the first time on November 20, 2009. After delivery from Turku shipyard on October 28, 2010, the newbuilding left Scandinavia on its way to the USA. But first it had to pass through a bottleneck: »Allure of the Seas« reaches a maximum height of 72 m over the waterline on a maximum draft of 9.30 m. The allowed free height underneath the Danish Store-Bælt-Bridge is only 65 m and the possible draft might be down to 15 m and more. The water level is slightly influenced by the tide in the North-Sea but more by strong winds. So, what to do to pass this bottleneck without damage?
All three RCI cruise-ships of the »Freedom Class« (154,407 GT) have similar heights over waterline and managed to pass under the bridge. From design the two »Oasis Class« ships were fitted with funnel-pipes retractable by 7 m and special water ballast tanks in bow and stern to trim the vessels. But to be on the safe side with passing the bridge the lowest possible tide and minimum wind should be waited for. Sailing on a maximum draft under highest possible speed, to press the hull deeper into the water, the vessel should manage to pass through the only 65 m high gap. Echo-sounding the water-depth and laser-scaling the height under the bridge the ship passed with a free height of 1.50 m under the Store-Bælt-Bridge.
Are the twins really equal?
Well, according to the latest laser measurements that classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV) conducted just before delivery, »Allure of the Seas« is 50 mm longer than »Oasis of the Seas«. In relation to something that is around 361 m long, the relative differential between the two twin-sisters is not really much, but calculating in marketing effects it can be much. In fact, a 50-mm differential is certainly within the building tolerance for such a ship construction project.
But here in the 21st century, any advantage is on worth pressing, so Captain Hernan Zini and the officers of »Allure of the Seas« found it rather obvious that they were responsible for the new and undisputed largest cruise ship record in the world. While the officers of »Oasis of the Seas« had confidence in DNV, they were nevertheless threatening to get the NASA involved in making more precise measurements.
But Argentinean Captain Hernan Zini was too enthusiastic, to be the one to command the largest cruise ship of the world, that he studied all construction details and found out that »Oasis of the Seas« is not only shorter but also 200 t heavier. So it was joked: »Here, we have two twin-sisters, one is older, shorter and heavier, the other is younger, taller and better proportioned. So, it is no question for me, which one I would prefer«, Hernan Zini expressed.
Taking an outside view of both hulls, one can realise only a slight difference: The rescue-/tender-boats, nine on each side, are positioned one boat-length further aft onboard »Allure of the Seas«. This was believed as necessary after bad weather and heavy sea problems happening to »Oasis of the Seas« on its transferring trip to the USA in November 2009. The first boat on each side was damaged by huge waves although side-breakwaters were arranged. In a first step these breakwaters were modified, but later it was decided to move the boats a little bit aft.
However, there are various other new or modified features (DreamWorks elements; Chicago, the musical; Blue Planet; Samba Grill; Rita’s Cantina; Boardwalk Dog House; Guess store; Britto art store; and Starbucks just to name the major ones).
Main design figures
The gigantic size of the newbuilding gives scope for a great variety of functions. Cruise guests expect new and unique experiences every time, which is why the cruise line and the yard are continuously coming up with new innovations in order to satisfy the customers’ hunger for excitement. The »Allure of the Seas« has a number of new restaurants and shops, including the first onboard interactive gallery and sales outlet of the pop artist Romero Britto. The works of this internationally renowned artist are famous for their bright colours and joyful themes.
On board »Allure of the Seas«, experiences are offered in seven theme areas aimed to provide something for every member of the family. The open-air central plaza, Central Park, features more than 12,000 living plants, 60 vines and 56 trees and bamboos. The Boardwalk environment with its water theatre and carousel also focus on having a good time with your family and friends. The Promenade shopping street with its numerous restaurants and boutiques provides an attractive setting for holiday-makers. The ship’s offer is so versatile that one cruise is not enough to experience it all.
The Pool & Sports Zone on the deck provides opportunities for sport and entertainment. In addition to a surf simulator and a beech-type pool, the newbuilding boasts the longest onboard running track extending to 700 m. The young at heart can try out the zip wire track nine decks above Boardwalk at a height of 25 m. In Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness centre, the passengers can enjoy a massage or pampering treatments, try out Pilates, yoga or spinning and use the gym equipment.
The novelty of »Allure of the Seas« is a 3D movie theatre. The Amber theatre in the Entertainment Place opens up a new dimension with 3D movies. The entertainment Place also organises musical evenings, dancing classes and competitions. In the Youth Zone, younger passengers will discover a great variety of gaming and play areas as well as a children’s theatre, and a fully staffed nursery caters for the smallest guests.
In addition, the newbuilding houses dozens of restaurants, cafés and bars. The new »Rita’s Cantina« tempts adults and children alike with Mexican delicacies. While savouring their food and drink, customers can also enjoy live guitar music. »Dog House« serving hot dogs with various fillings and sausages is also located in the Broadwalk area of the new vessel. The speciality of both new resort ships is the »Rising Tide Bar«, a moving restaurant platform between the Central Park and Promenade.
»Guess«, one of the most famous fashion brands in the world, is opening their first onboard boutique on »Allure of the Seas«. The »Guess« outlet will also be one of the largest accessory boutiques on the ship selling hand bags, watches and jewellery.
The open concept of the two »Oasis Class« vessels makes it possible to soak in the sun not only on conventional sun decks but also in the Central Park area and on the balconies of a large number of staterooms. Thanks to modern design solutions, more than three quarters of the ship’s staterooms now feature balconies. The »Allure of the Seas« has 22 different stateroom categories from 18 m2 large cabins with a balcony to a Royal Loft Suite with an area of 158 m2. A loft suite represents a new stateroom concept, offering magnificent ocean views through large windows extending over two deck levels.
Safety first
A large passenger ship of this kind facilitates attaining a high overall safety level. One requirement is, that evacuation of the vessel must be easy as that of smaller ships, built to conform with the latest international rules. Following the »Safe return to port« principle, evacuation of the vessel can in most cases be avoided or be arranged close to shores. In other words, the ship will remain functional in case of an accident, and it will be able to return to port under its own power.
On »Allure of the Seas« maximum close to 8,500 people might be onboard. There are 18 lifeboats (9 on each side) carrying up to 370 persons each offering seats to 6,660 persons. In addition to these boats, the ship has two fast rescue boats for man-over-board manoeuvres and four marine evacuation systems (MES) with chute points, each one offering 450 places. So, altogether there are 8,500 rescue places available in case of a necessary evacuation. The large rescue boats are fitted with two independently working propulsion engines and rudders to power and steer the lifeboats. Each boat is fitted with global positioning system (GPS) and toilets.
The boats are hanging in sliding davits under Deck 6. Evacuation stations are positioned on Deck 5 and the public rooms on this deck are the assembling spaces in case of emergency. Passengers and crew meet inside the superstructure and doors can be opened to give the way free to the outside promenade and from there to the lowered boats which can be lifted down when completely filled. This procedure can be kept always under safe control.
The keels of the boats hang normally in height of Deck 4, in case of evacuation even lower. But normally this is only about 12 m above the waterline. This proved not to be safe enough when »Oasis of the Seas« was transferred over the North-Atlantic in November 2009. In a strong storm with very high waves, the first boat on both ship’s side was damaged and had to be exchanged. The first step was to enlarge theside-breakwaters further down. On »Allure of the Seas« these first two boats were shifted more than a boat-length aft.
Environment-friendly energy generation
The shipyard STX Europe has made green values its priority and continuously develops environment-friendly solutions, which are showcased onboard »Allure of the Seas«. An important role is played by correct decisions related to hull shape, selection of machinery, or the fuel, electric, heating and ventilation systems made from the design stages on. Special attention was paid to energy efficiency, minimisation of emissions, water purification, waste management and lifecycle approach alike. Despite its large size, the fuel economy of the ship is top class.
Electric energy onboard the newbuilding is generated by six high-efficient-, medium-speed-, four-stroke-diesel-engines working to electric generators. The combined output of this shipboard power-plant is close to 100 MW, which equals the electricity needs of a city in the size of Turku, hometown of the yard. The six diesel engines supplied by Wärtsilä feature a so-called »Common Rail« direct electronically controlled fuel injection system developed by the company. It reduces fuel consumption and consequently exhaust-gas-emissions and minimises visible black smoke from diesel engines under any loading conditions. This technology facilitates adjustment of the combustion process and significantly reduces the environmental load caused by exhaust-gases.
The ship is powered by six diesel engines type Wärtsilä 46CR, including 3 x 12V46CR with 13,860 kW each as well as 3 x 16V46CR with 18,400 kW each. All six diesel-generator-sets deliver their created electric power to a central electric power station, from where the electric current is split to the main power needs, such as propulsion, galleys, laundries, hotel, general lighting and other technical equipment.
The main thrust of the propulsion system is provided by three electric »Azipod« propulsion units with 3 x 20 MW power. Manoeuvrability is guaranteed by these three rudder-propellers as well as four bow-thrusters being 4 x 5.5 MW strong. It is strong enough to manoeuvre without any tug-assistance in ports as well as narrow waters or under reduced speed in open waters. The service speed is scheduled with 22.0 kn.
Future of STX Europe and the Finnish maritime cluster
By the end of October 2010, when Finnish Turku shipyard of the STX Europe group delivered »Allure of the Seas«, there was no further new-building contract in sight. Potential projects became firm contracts with competing yards in Germany, France and Italy. So, just before Christmas the yard was finally lucky to enter into an agreement with Finnish Viking Line for the construction of an environment-friendly, new generation cruise ferry. The agreement includes an option for a sister-ship. The ferry will be built in Turku and the delivery is scheduled at beginning of 2013.
The new cruise ferry will be the most environment-friendly big passenger vessel to date. It will use LNG as fuel and it has only little harmless marine emissions and its aerial emissions will be extremely low. The cruise ferry will be about 214 m long and will measure around 57,000 GT. The ferry is planned to have capacity for 2,800 passengers in 880 cabins, served by a crew of 200 people. The length of its cargo lanes will extend to 1,275 m with truck-height and 500 m will be reserved for passenger cars on a separate car-deck. There will also be space for cars on »shelves« that can be lowered in place.
The vessel represents a new generation of passenger ferries, and the planning and design process has included devoting great attention to environment-friendly solutions, a high level of passenger comfort and new passenger experiences. Viking Line hopes that this investment will enable it to continue offering its passengers an enjoyable travel experience. This newbuilding will bring about 2,600 man-years of work to the shipyard in Turku.
Today STX Finland Oy operates three shipyards in Finland: Turku, Rauma and Helsinki. The company is part of the international STX Europe group which South-Korean STX group as mother-company. STX Europe has a product range that includes not only passenger ships but also commercial and offshore vessels. The Group has fifteen yards in Brazil, Finland, France, Norway, Romania and Vietnam. The total staff numbers of STX Europe was 16,000 recently.
With regard to Finnish exports, »Allure of the Seas« was extremely important. The two »Oasis Class« cruise ships are the most experienced and expensive individual export products ever delivered from Finland. It has been calculated that the projected ships had provided the yard as well as the maritime cluster a total of 2 x 12,000 man-years worth of employment.
Both ships were almost entirely designed in Finland, and the furnishing was also primarily of Finnish origin. In addition to STX Europe, almost 900 maritime cluster companies were involved in building the two »Oasis Class« ships. The competitive edge of STX Europe as the builders of the most exquisite cruisers in the world is thus based not only on unique know-how and high quality but also the existence of a versatile maritime cluster in Europe and especially in Finland.
Turku shipyard operates on an assembly shipyard concept, where the vessels are assembled and finished at the shipyard, while a significant share of the works is carried out by other Finnish maritime cluster companies. In addition STX Europe plays an important project management role. But in Finland there remains a strong feeling against the former Norwegian and later South-Korean ownership of their shipyards and the Finns are more and more afraid that their special experience and know-how in designing and building passenger-ships is slipping out of Finland to France and sooner or later to Far-East.
