A key stage in the construction of Britain’s newest and most innovative cruise ship has been marked at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg. P&O Cruises laid the keel for their newest eco-ship Arvia. When she is delivered in December 2022 she will be Britain’s most environmentally-friendly cruise ship.
Arvia, like her sister ship Iona, will be powered by liquefied natural gas as part of P&O Cruises ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. Other world-class environmentally-friendly innovations include shore power connectivity and the latest technology for its four main engines.
Keel laying is a traditional ship-building ceremony
It always includes laying some coins on the block to bring good luck to the ship and its crew during construction and in the ships future at sea. The team building P&O Cruises 184,000 tonnes ship Arvia, celebrated the milestone yesterday, They used specially selected coins from Barbados which were placed under the block before the block was then lowered onto the coins. This keel laying block weighs 570 tons, is 11.3 metres long, 42.10 metres wide and 11.81 metres high and had to be lifted by a 800 ton crane.
Speaking at the ceremony P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow explained;
“The coins that are laid under Arvia’s keel today will be the embodiment of that warmth and sun as they are currency from our winter homeport of Barbados, an island which has had a special place in our heart for over 20 years.
“These coins, with the workmanship and skill of everyone gathered today – and so many more – will keep and protect all on board this spectacular ship.”
The next steps in construction are the completion of the block assembly of the aft part of the ship in the dock. Then further outfitting of the ship before the next big milestone which is the ‘float out’.
Arvia is P&O Cruises second LNG-powered ship
Iona was P&O Cruises first LNG-powered ship launched in 2021. Arvia will be the eighth Carnival Corporation ship to feature Carnival Corporation’s exclusive “green cruising” design. This uses LNG to generate the ship’s power, both in port and on the open sea. An innovation that eliminates sulphur and significantly improves overall air emissions to help protect the environment and supports sustainability goals. The use of LNG also significantly reduces emissions of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide – by 85% and 20%, respectively.
P&O Cruises president spoke at the ceremony
As the keel was laid P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow explained;
“This is yet another landmark in P&O Cruises new build history. Arvia will be our second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas as part of P&O Cruises ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. Other world-class environmentally-friendly innovations include shore power connectivity and the latest technology for its four main engines.
“Our guests will enjoy holidays on Arvia, as they have done and continue to do on Iona and on the other ships in the P&O Cruises fleet.
“They will holiday in the Mediterranean in the summer and in the warmth of the Caribbean throughout the winter as Arvia will be our “sunshine” ship.
Arvia sail on maiden voyage in December 2022
Arvia has 16 decks and will feature Altitude Skywalk a unique high ropes experience, a swim-up bar and stunning infinity pool, new and exclusive Mission Control a multi-sensory escape room. A new restaurant Green & Co featuring Mizuhana serves a plant and fish-led menu. The Ocean Studios cinema, 1,300sqm of shopping and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.
Arvia sails on her maiden voyage to the Canary Islands on 9th December. This is followed by a winter season in the Caribbean. There is still availability for the maiden voyage K203 which can be booked through all reputable Travel Agents and online with P&O Cruises direct
We love P&0 Cruises at Cruise Addicted! Here is a quick look at the first ship Cathy ever sailed on back in 2003 – Aurora! We think you’ll agree she still looks great! We cannot wait to see what her big sister looks like!
So as P&O Cruises lay keel for new eco-ship Arvia I hope you enjoyed reading all about keel laying and her eco-credentials. Maybe pin this blog on Pinterest so that you can come back to it later!
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