MV Werften cuts steel for Crystal river cruise ships

Construction starts on two Rhine Class newbuilds at company's Wismar yard in Germany
MV Werften cuts steel for Crystal river cruise ships
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Economics Minister Harry Glawe, MV Werften's Jarmo Laakso, ABB's Marcus Högblom and Juha Koskela, and Genting Group's Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay

By Rebecca Gibson |


MV Werften cut the first pieces of steel for Crystal River Cruises’ two Rhine Class river cruise ships at its yard in Wismar, Germany on 9 January.

The first plates of steel for Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel were cut in the presence of invited guests, including Genting Group’s executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region's Economics Minister Harry Glawe.

“This is a moving moment for us, because it is the first steel cutting ceremony under the MV Werften flag,” said Jarmo Laakso, managing director of MV Werften. “We are proud to be building these high quality ships for Crystal River Cruises, which will meet highest safety and travel standards.”

Se to be delivered in 2018, each of the 135m, 3,100gt ships will accommodate 106 passengers in all-suite, all-balcony accomodation. They will debut in Europe, sailing on the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle rivers.

MV Werften has already started work on their sister ships Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler, which will be delivered to Crystal this year.

“Today is another crowning achievement in the growth of the Crystal brand, as we take another step closer in further delivering the growing demand for a true luxury experience on Europe’s rivers,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s chairman, CEO and president. “It is my honour to witness this moment alongside the leaders of our wonderful parent company, our partners at MV Werften, and the local community leaders, as Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel will soon join their sister ships.”

MV Werften will build a total of nine ships at its three shipyards over the next five years. These include Crystal’s four river cruise vessels, three expedition mega yachts for Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises and two Global Class cruise ships for Star Cruises.

“MV WERFTEN is successfully continuing the path is has forged and actively pursuing its self-imposed targets,” stated Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Economics Minister Harry Glawe. “Every steel cut for a new ship is a positive signal for the entire maritime industry.”

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