Turkey’s Tersan shipyard has launched two LNG-powered coastal cruise ships for Norwegian shipping company Havila Voyages.
The yard launched the Havila Castor and Havila Capella after batling for months with the restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This also means that the two ships will not be ready for the new year as originally planned.
However, Havila Voyages CEO Arild Myrvoll says that based on current knowledge, it looks like delivery may take place during the first quarter of 2021.
In order to speed up the construction, Tersan kept the ships on land for longer than usual streamlining several tasks.
Myrvoll said that work on the ships is “well underway” with regard to plumbing, machinery, electricity and fixtures and fittings.
LNG and battery power
Besides Rolls-Royce LNG engines, the 121 meter long vessels will also feature the “world’s largest” battery packs.
They will work on the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes, just as two other sister ships on order at Tersan.
In anticipation of the two new ships and the delays, Havila Voyages has received approval for two replacement vessels.
But the demand for the coastal route is currently very uncertain due to the pandemic and the need for capacity at the start of the new contract on 1 January 2021 is under evaluation.
The pandemic and travel restrictions are affecting the entire travel industry, also making it difficult for Havila Voyages to be specific about what will happen next year.
“But we are pleased to note that there is a lot of interest in Havila Voyages from travel agencies and tour operators. We are in great demand and are looking forward to getting going”, Myrvoll said.