Stephan Schmees, Director Project Management at Meyer Werft, on challenges and lessons learned during the construction of the first LNG cruise ship
HANSA: How proud are you to have built the world’s first cruise ship that can consistently run on LNG[ds_preview]?
Stephan Schmees: We are of course very proud, because our years of research have finally led to success. With regard to environmental technology, we have set new technology standards in the industry – the first LNG cruise ship comes from Meyer!
What would you call the biggest challenge? What did you learn for the follow-up projects?
Schmees: First of all, we were able to convince a customer to go this way with us. Please keep in mind that neither the final technology, nor the infrastructure, nor any regulations were in place at the beginning of our project. We had to find the right partners such as classification and engine supplier, etc. Furthermore, ports had to be persuaded to allow the bunkering of the ship. Technical solutions for the control of the gas system and engines had to be developed. A large number of challenges can be seen. We have learned a lot and have already optimized our approach, which we will use for the next ships.
Will LNG become the first choice for the cruise industry?
Schmees: LNG will certainly be the best fuel for the time to come. The Meyer Group has nine LNG-operated ships in its order books for the Carnival Group. However, we are already working on other innovative concepts such as the fuel cell – but it will take many more years before a cruise ship can be operated on hydrogen. In the meantime, we are working on how to use this technology for individual applications.
How do you assess the Meyer Werft Group’s position in global competition – what are your future markets?
Schmees: The Meyer Group has specialised in passenger ships and we believe that this is exactly the right market for us. This is also clearly reflected in our well-filled order book, as our orders extend into the year 2024. Whatever the customer will need – we are able to build small, medium-sized but also very large ships. In addition, our portfolio comprises river cruise ships and RoPax ferries.
You have always refused to get involved in China. Fincantieri, on the other hand, is pushing into this growth market – will you remain your reservations?
Schmees: We are also watching this market very closely. However, we remain cautious, because we want to protect our know-how and rely on our high quality and reliability, which will enable us to hold our own against the competition. Within the Meyer Group, we are very closely integrated and can respond very flexibly.
There are a number of new suppliers that have emerged, in particular in the explorer yacht segment. Will this kind of ships also become interesting for Meyer?
Schmees: Until 2024, the Meyer Group will be operating at full capacity in our current market segment. So, we are concentrating on completing our projects. But yes, in principle it could become interesting.
What are the future trends in cruise ship construction?
Schmees: The ships themselves are increasingly being designed as destinations themselves. That’s why everyone is contantly looking for new features to attract passengers. As a shipyard, we support our customers the best way we can with innovative ideas. We are very much focused on the development of technical innovations, e.g. hydrodynamic optimization, highest energy efficiency, alternative fuels and propulsion systems.
Interview: Krischan Förster
