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13/06/2005: "Royal Caribbean's 'cut and shunt' liner"
Royal Caribbean's 'cut and shunt' liner by David Harding, Metro
It could be the ultimate in cut-and-shunt jobs.
A cruise operator has come up with a quick-fix solution to a pressing need for new boats. The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has taken one of its ships, cut it in half and slotted in a whole new midsection.
It is now busy welding the 75,000-tonne behemoth back together in a dry dock. The new section is 22m long and has 151 cabins - enough room to accommodate 300 extra passengers. At a cost of just £32million, it was cheaper than building a boat from scratch, which can take up to three years.
One executive said the job was 'like playing with Lego - but big Lego'. The idea came from Royal Caribbean vice-president Peter Fetten, who trained as a naval architect. He had the idea while walking past the Enchantment of the Seas in Rotterdam harbour.
The vessel was already big. At 280m long and 32m wide, it could take 2,500 passengers. But that was before cruises increased in popularity. The scale of the month-long operation was daunting but it is hoped everything will be finished by July 7.
The ship has been put in a dry dock at Rotterdam and the keel raised on to sledge-type devices that run on rails. Up to 1,000 workers have been involved in the transformation. They spent six days cutting the vessel in two using oxyacetylene torches and circular saws. The two sections were then painstakingly moved apart using hydraulic jacks and a laser alignment system.
The new middle section was built in Finland and transported to Holland by barge. It has been fitted with just millimetres to spare and it will take another fortnight to weld everything together.
Mr Fetten said modestly: 'This is just an engineering question. We can fly to the Moon, so we can cut ships.'
(this article was taken from thisistravel.co.uk)
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Alpine Sports Checklist
- Insure a good time: Don’t run the risk of financial
ruin just because you think ‘It'll Never Happen To Me’. Alpine
holidays are expensive investments with gear, lessons, ski passes, etc –
so don’t allow it to be any more costly than is necessary. Think ahead,
take out the most appropriate Travel Insurance,
something that will cover all your expensive equipment, yet ensure that you
are not left to pay a monstrous bill in the event of an accident on the slopes.
- Hasta la pista: The more confident skier / boarder may
be tempted by the powder and adrenaline offered off-piste … if so take
precautions. Where possible go with a registered guide or instructor, someone
who knows the area and the dangers it presents. At the very least don’t
go alone. Tell others, outside of your party, where you’re going and
when to expect you back, so that in the event of an accident or ordnance failure,
you’re not forgotten.
- Stay warm in the storm: Prior to embarking on your winter
snow break, make sure you have all the right gear. Snow is wet and cold so
it’s important to have enough layers and waterproof equipment for the
duration of your stay. Experts have advised that it is best to wear a number
of thin layers (especially children) as opposed to one or two heavy ones.
- Your name’s not down: Don’t be the one left
miles from home trying to persuade a lift attendant (who may not speak English)
to let you on the lift because you have lost your ski pass. These are very
expensive yet very easy to lose. Ensure that yours is kept in a safe place
… a lanyard round your neck represents a good investment.
- Respect to your elders: The mountains can be a very dangerous
place especially in the winter, so its important to show respect and heed
any good advice offered. Authorities in all resorts will publish information
and warnings where necessary on avalanche probability, visibility, ice levels
and any other dangers specific to certain areas or times.
- Be Prepared: The cold mountain air can often disguise the
potency of the sun’s rays and can lead to a badly burnt face. Sun block
and lipsil are a must for a day on the slopes (especially for children) and
a good supply of water is advisable as dehydration is a very real threat at
high altitudes. An energy snack is also a good addition to ensure your blood
sugar levels remain high.
- On the piste: For many it’s the apres-ski that makes
the holiday but it’s important to know your limits whilst on the slopes,
especially given the altitude factor. Excessive alcohol consumption prior
to alpine activities not only puts you at risk but also those around you.
It can also, in some resorts, lead to the confiscation of lift passes, and
moreover in the event of any accident have a considerable affect on your insurance
cover.
- Unfit for the chair lift: While many consider alpine pursuits
to be leisurely and relaxing, it is important to remember that they do in
fact involve hours of physical activity. Good health care precautions and
a reasonable level of fitness are therefore necessary to avoid any problems
on the slopes. Visit your GP prior to travelling.
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