Keel-laying of new AIDA cruise vessel
First block of the new-generation AIDA cruise vessel to be built in Japan
With 124,500 gross tonnes, the identically designed ships, which are 300m long and 37.6m wide, each provide space for approximately 3,300 passengers. They will be delivered in March 2015 and March 2016, respectively.
The new generation of ships is said to set standards in regards of environmentally friendly performance. An AIDA ship currently consumes only three litres of fuel per passenger per 100km. The new vessels will consume even less, the cruise company stated. A completely new design for the hull has been developed in collaboration with MHI and the Hamburg Shipbuilding Research Institute (HSVA) to enhance energy efficiency considerably. Another innovation is the use of the Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System (MALS). This modern technology allows the ships to glide on a carpet of air bubbles, which not only reduces friction resistance, but also remarkably cuts fuel consumption, AIDA said. A number of additional measures, such as a new propulsion concept, also help to lower fuel consumption significantly. The vessels will be fitted with Caterpillar's MaK M 46 DF dual-fuel engines.
In 2011, AIDA had awarded the contract for the construction of the two cruise vessels to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, following a worldwide call for tenders.
