P&O lays keel for new ship
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Carnival subsidiary P&O Cruises has officially laid the keel of its as yet unnamed next ship, which is due to be launched in 2015.
The ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste in Italy and marked a construction milestone of what will be the largest vessel to service the UK market.
In a speech Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: “Each of our new ships has been exclusively designed for the British market. We have ensured that each anticipates the subtly changing trends in what British passengers expect from their cruise holiday – and is equipped to meet those expectations for many years to come. Our success in adapting to the market’s changing needs is why our ships continue to fill and why the whole cruise sector ultimately continues to buck any downward trend. We cannot wait to see this ship finished and underway.”
The keel is made up of six pre-made sections and weighs around 408 tons. They are fitted together using 214 tons of pipes, cables and insulations. Overall 74 pieces will be used across the entire ship.
Fincantieri Shipyard director Carlo De Marco said: “We are proud to be on the world stage together with P&O Cruises in this endeavour which will undoubtedly be a marvellous opportunity not only for Monfalcone shipyard but for Fincantieri as a whole. Indeed, this is another occasion to further strengthen our relationship with this well-established ship owner. It will be an honour and a pleasure, to celebrate in 2015 the delivery of this ship and together the tenth anniversary of the collaboration between P&O Cruises and Fincantieri, started in 2005 with Arcadia.”
The keel laying was formally announced by P&O managing director announcing the words: “Diamo il via alla posa del primo blocco della più grande nave, la migliore, mai costruita per il mercato Britannico!” [Please lay the keel of the biggest and best ship ever built for the British market!]