By
Alex Smith |
Shipbuilder Fincantieri successfully launched the forward lower section of Holland America Line’s new ship, Ryndam, at its yard in Palermo, Italy on 3 October.
After the section, also known as the ‘troncone’, was officially blessed by Padre Giovanni Cassata, madrina Giuseppa Catalano cut the rope to smash the celebratory bottle of champagne against the hull.
Measuring 269 feet long, 115 feet wide and weighing 4,400 tons, the ‘troncone’ section will leave the Palermo yard and be moved to Fincantieri’s Marghera. The Marghera shipyard is currently building several other sections of Ryndam, which will be joined together once the ‘troncone’ section arrives in early November.
“This is Ryndam’s first major milestone since the steel cutting, and it’s so exciting to see a large portion of the ship taking shape and already in the water,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Watching a new ship come together piece by piece builds anticipation, and we will soon be announcing the inaugural itineraries for Ryndam cruises in summer 2021.”
Ryndam’s next major milestone will be the keel laying when the ship’s first block will be placed into the dry dock. Blocks will then be added weekly until the steel superstructure is complete in July 2020, when the dock can be flooded for the official float out. Ryndam is expected to be delivered in May 2021.
The ship is the third in the series of Pinnacle-class ships constructed for Holland America Line, following sister ships Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam into service. Some of the onboard highlights will include a 270-degree surround screen World Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and the Rudi’s Sel de Mer restaurant.