AIDAprima
 AIDAprima in Rotterdam
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | AIDAprima |
| Builder | Mitsubishi Shipbuilding |
| Launched | May 3, 2014 |
| Acquired | March 14, 2016 |
| Maiden voyage | May 7, 2016 |
| In service | April 25, 2016 |
| Identification | |
| Status | In service |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Cruise ship |
| Tonnage | |
| Length | 299.95 m (984.1 ft)[1] |
| Beam | |
| Draught | 8.25 m (27.1 ft)[1] |
| Installed power | |
| Propulsion | |
| Speed | 22.0 knots (41 km/h) (cruising) |
| Capacity | 3,300 passengers |
| Crew | 900 |
AIDAprima is the flagship of AIDA Cruises, built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding at their shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan. The cruise ship entered service on April 25, 2016, after suffering several construction delays.[2]
History
Originally, the vessel was planned for delivery in the first half of 2015, with an inaugural trip to 22 countries, but the shipbuilder was unable to complete the vessel on time and the delivery was postponed to December 2015 and after several minor accidents during construction.[3] The ship was christened on 7 May 2016 in Hambirg, Germany as part of the 827th Hamburg Port Anniversary (Hafengeburtstag).[4]
Design
AIDAprima is the largest cruise ship in AIDA cruises fleet, with an overall length of 300.00 m (984.25 ft), moulded beam of 37.60 m (123.4 ft), and maximum draft of8.00 m (26.25 ft). The vessel has a capacity of 3,300 passengers and 900 crew members. AIDAprima has 18 passenger decks, 15 dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as shops, cafes, and bars.
The AIDA Beach Club pool area, which is covered by a transparent UV-permeable membrane dome, allows passengers to relax in a beach setting with natural light despite inclement weather. The Beach Club features the longest indoor water slide on a cruise ship, a rock climbing wall, and a lazy river.[5] At night, the Beach Club serves as a discotheque, with stars or laser shows projected onto the dome.[6]
Engineering
AIDAprima is driven by three MaK 12V M43C diesel engines and one MaK M46DF dual-fuel (LNG/oil) engine, which give 53,150 hp to the propulsion system.[7][8] The engine has computer-controlled fuel injection to increase fuel economy. The ship is propelled by ABB Azipod XO units, which allows a service speed of 22 kts.[9]
The AIDAprima uses Mitsubishi Heavy Industries's proprietary Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System (MALS), which releases small air bubbles to cover the bottom of the vessel, reducing the friction between the hull and the surrounding water. This is predicted to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by more than 7%.[7]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "AIDAprima (g117060)". Vessel Register for DNV. Germanischer Lloyd. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
- ^ "AIDAprima headed for Europe after Mitsubishi HI delivery". Seatrade Cruise News. Seatrade. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Petrov, Svilen (12 January 2016). "Cruise ship AIDAprima caught fire at Mitsubishi Shipyard". Maritime Business. Maritime News. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
- ^ "AIDAprima to be Christened May 7". Cruise Industry News. 29 February 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
- ^ Dragonetti, Greg (January 4, 2015). "AIDAprima New Venues Announced". CruiseInd. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "AIDAprima: The New Flag Ship of German cruise industry". Sea-Jobs (Press release). 21 October 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b Petrov, Svilen (15 March 2016). "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries delivered AIDAprima". Maritime Business. Maritime News. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "Caterpillar Ships First MaK Dual Fuel Engine". Cat.com (Press release). Caterpillar. July 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
- ^ Pascal, Von (12 March 2012). "AIDAprima & AIDAperla bekommen Azipods von ABB AG". Schiffe und Kreuzfahrten (in German). Retrieved 16 March 2016.