P&O Cruises welcomes first LNG-powered newbuild

Germany’s shipbuilder Meyer Werft has delivered the LNG-powered Iona to Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises.

The official handover ceremony took place on Friday at Mayer Werft’s yard in Papenburg.

The Iona, claimed to be first British LNG-powered cruise vessel, is 345 meteres long and has 17 guest decks.

The luxury liner will accommodate up to 5,200 passengers making it one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow said that Iona’s delivery was a “very positive signal for the future of cruising.”

“We are focused on readying her to welcome guests during her new maiden season to Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands from our home port of Southampton,” he said.

P&O Cruises’ operations are currently paused due to the pandemic until early 2021.

“But we look forward to our guests experiencing this game-changing ship as we will continue to offer unparalleled holidays at sea whilst also upholding the latest approved travel protocols,” Ludlow said.

To remind, the ships’ delivery was also affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Previously, it was expected to embark on its maiden voyage in May.

Besides Iona, Meyer Werft is also building a sister ship. This vessel will join the P&O Cruises fleet in December 2022.

Most Popular

Worley gets full notice to proceed on first phase of CP2 LNG project

Australian engineering firm Worley has received a full notice to proceed from US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG under its reimbursable EPC contract for the first phase of the CP2 LNG project in Louisiana.

Seatrium: LNG carrier owners delaying non-essential repairs due to low charter rates

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) fleet owners are delaying non-essential repairs due to low charter rates, according to Singapore's Seatrium.

Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG to commission fourth tank

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has received approval from the US FERC to commission the fourth storage tank with LNG at its Plaquemines plant in Louisiana.

More News Like This

Carnival orders two LNG-powered cruise ships at Fincantieri

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has secured an order worth more than $2.2 billion to build two LNG-powered vessels for Carnival's Aida Cruises.

Disney’s second LNG-powered newbuild on way to Florida

Disney Cruise Line's second LNG-powered cruise vessel, Disney Treasure, embarked on its transatlantic journey from Eemshaven, Netherlands to its...

Meyer Werft launches Disney’s second LNG-powered newbuild

Germany’s Meyer Werft has floated out the second of three LNG-powered vessels it is building for Disney Cruise Line,...

Carnival orders three LNG-powered cruise ships at Fincantieri

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has secured an order to build three giant LNG-powered vessels for Miami-based Carnival Cruise Line, a...