Yards

Lucky Seven

Mein Schiff 7 is the first built-in methanol capability cruise ship from the Turku Shipyard

After delivering two vessels to TUI Cruises in 2018 and 2019, Meyer Turku is now building another cruise ship for the German cruise line: Mein Schiff 7. Turku shipbuilders began construction on the vessel in June 2022.

“We’re currently entering the final phase of the construction and looking to deliver the ship to the client in June 2024,” says Project Manager Noora Maunila.

Similar to the structurally identical Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, the new vessel will hold around 2,900 passengers, most of whom will be accommodated in cabins with a sea view. The running track, the gym and spa areas, the arena with a sports court and climbing wall, as well as the 25-metre outdoor pool will also be similar to those found on board the sister ships.

Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, has remarked that Mein Schiff 7 will take the company forward in its goal to pursue more environmentally friendly cruise tourism. The ship is built to enable the use of methanol as fuel and all engines aboard are fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction system to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

In addition, the ship’s operations in the port are almost emission-free. For TUI Cruises, Mein Schiff 7 is an important milestone in its efforts to provide the first climate- neutral cruises by 2030.

GREEN INNOVATION WINS THE DAY

Making the first cruise ship with a built-in capability to run on methanol is a big deal for the shipyard, as well. Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, has described the undertaking as a “huge leap forward” in the shipbuilder’s quest for industry leadership in the Green Transition.

Noora Maunila is thinking along the same lines:

“Turku shipyard has made a name for itself as an innovator in the field of sustainable marine solutions. We will continue to introduce new technology on the newbuilds and pursue carbon-free ships,” she says.

“Green fuels is one area that is obviously of interest to the cruise lines and we’re investing in their development, be it methanol or some other sustainable fuel.”

COMMITTED TO CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT

Each Mein Schiff vessel has participated in Green Transition by making sustainable improvements – in addition to your regular upgrades. Along the way, the hull structures of the vessels has been retooled to accommodate for passenger comfort – and to stop tax-free bottles from rattling too much on their shelves, for example.

“Mein Schiff is the final ship in the series and the most advanced,” Maunila says.

Mein Schiff 7 is also the first ship with Maunila as the project manager. “I started at the Turku shipyard in 2011, doing project design and sales for Mein Schiff 3,” she looks back.

The start of the job as the ultimate shot-caller for the newbuild wasn’t very glamorous, however. “That same week in March 2020 Covid hit with full force and there was total chaos for a while,” she laughs.

“As a result, I spent 10-hour days at my desk with headphones on, doing remote meetings non-stop,” she says, adding that she prefers a lot more hands-on approach.

CRASH COURSE IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT

The global pandemic impacted just about everything from work force woes to materials availability, and Covid was only the beginning: the war in Ukraine brought along more nasty challenges such as energy crisis and rising prices.

“We really had to work hard to mitigate these obstacles. Putting together this ship has been a great achievement from our team.” For the final push, the shipyard has had around 2,000 workers putting in the finishing touches.

But what is it about Finns that makes them such prolific shipbuilders – especially when it comes to making the world’s best cruise ships? – Maunila replies that the shipbuilding tradition is very strong in places like Turku.

“Of course there are shipyards in other countries, too, but we’ve succeeded in nurturing a great culture here. When you’re part of the shipyard family, that really means something,” she says.

According to Maunila, doing your part in these giant, one-of-a-kind undertakings is a source of great pride for all the people involved. “There is a sense of belonging that’s very strong.”

SAME TRIBE, SAME BLOOD

Maunila recalls talking to a shipyard “lifer,” with 40 years spent building ships of different shapes and sizes. She found that there was clearly a similar mindset – and real connection.

“Young, old, or in-between, if you work at the shipyard, you’re part of the team, part of our community. That’s something that really stays with you.”

For the project manager, the building of Mein Schiff 7 is similar to putting together a huge puzzle. “In a sense, we’re making floating cities here. From an engineering viewpoint, that is a very attractive challenge,” she smiles.

As the summertime delivery day keeps approaching fast, Maunila admits to being anxious to finish the job. “We’re almost there. Now it’s just a matter of finishing strong.”

Maunila’s biggest take-away from her first project manager gig is all about the team:

“When the team succeeds, that’s just the best feeling in the world.”

by: SAMI J. ANTEROINEN
photos: MEYER TURKU OY