The cruise industry is in crisis because of Corona. The Meyer shipyard is therefore building more slowly. But now there was once again a new, colorful ocean liner to marvel at on its first voyage.
Papenburg – The newly built cruise ship “Aidacosma” mastered the transfer from the Meyer shipyard on the Ems to the North Sea without any problems.
The ocean giant covered the 40 kilometers on the narrow river to the Ems barrage near Gandersum on Saturday even a little faster than planned, as a shipyard spokesman in Papenburg said. The water level was good and the wind died down after stormy days. On Sunday the “Aidacosma” was in Eeemshaven in the Netherlands.
The 337 meter long ship began its towing trip in Papenburg early Saturday morning. During the voyage across the Ems, the “Aidacosma” – as always with these spectacular overpasses – was towed backwards because it was easier to maneuver. Onlookers gathered in the dark on the dike to marvel at the brightly illuminated ocean liner. The overpasses always attract many ship fans. Environmentalists criticize, however, that the damming of the Ems is damaging the river and its banks.
First test drive in early November
At the beginning of November, the “Aidacosma” is to go on a first test drive on the North Sea towards Norway. The final work on the ship is to take place in Bremerhaven before it is to be handed over to the shipping company at the end of the year. Hansjörg Kunze, spokesman for Aida Cruises in Rostock, announced: “We are sure that with the” Aidacosma “we will receive an excellent addition to our fleet.” It is the second new build from Aida Cruises that is completely powered by liquefied gas. Liquid gas is considered a more environmentally friendly drive than diesel or heavy oil.
It was the second overpass this year for Meyer-Werft. Germany’s largest shipbuilding company has had to reduce its construction speed because, with the cruise industry largely at a standstill due to the corona pandemic, there is hardly any demand for new ships. The crisis has also cost a few hundred jobs. In 2022, the shipyard is expected to complete the “Disney Wish”, among other things. dpa
