By
Laura Hyde |
Meyer Werft has cut the steel for NYK Cruises’ new ship, Asuka III, during a traditional ceremony at its yard in Papenburg, Germany.
Representatives from the Japanese shipping company NYK were present for the symbolic ceremony, wishing the project good luck by painting a Daruma doll in keeping with Japanese tradition.
“In the ship’s designing, we are all grateful to the cooperation rendered by Meyer so far,” said Hiroyuki Endo, president of NYK Cruises. “We wish to continue this excellent relationship with them to the successful delivery of Asuka III and beyond.”
Meyer Werft is working closely with NYK Cruises, learning about Japanese culture to optimise the cruise ship for the Japanese market.
“The order from NYK Cruises in 2021 in the middle of the pandemic was a strong signal for shipbuilding in Papenburg, Germany,” said Thomas Weigend, managing director of Meyer Werft. “Therefore, we are very pleased to have won NYK Cruises as a customer and to be able start in the construction of this modern cruise ship.”
The 52,200gt ship, which was ordered by NYK Cruises in 2021, will have capacity for 744 passengers. Asuka III will be LNG-powered, 230 metres in length and 29.8 metres in width, and is scheduled to be delivered by Meyer Werft in 2025.