Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral Poised for Strategic Dry Dock Overhaul to Turbocharge Fuel Efficiency and Unlock Unmatched Performance Potential

Published on November 15, 2024

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines‘ Balmoral is scheduled for a two-week dry dock refurbishment next month. The contract has been granted to A&P Falmouth, a division of the APCL Group, which has previously handled maintenance projects for both Bolette and Balmoral.

The upcoming work will involve an ultra-high pressure water blast to clean the underwater hull, the application of silicone-based paint to enhance fuel efficiency, and a complete overhaul of key components, including the propellers, bow thrusters, stabilisers, and main engine gearbox.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We are proud to be working with APCL on our fifth drydock contract.

“Working with a UK yard means that together we are feeding directly back into the local economy, while also providing invaluable experience to A&Ps many apprentices.

“These programmes are vital, allowing us to complete essential maintenance to our wonderful smaller ship Balmoral, while also making a number of enhancements for our guests, and we look forward to completion of another busy and successful drydock.”

Further tasks will involve servicing the lifeboats, davits, and crane, along with overhauls of the mooring winches, fans, motors, and sea valves.

The dry dock contract was officially signed in Liverpool this past September.

Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth, said:

“Our location in the southwest of England makes it an ideal destination for cruise ship maintenance, particularly for vessels operating in this region.

“Contracts such as these not only underscore our reputation in the industry but also contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting both our workforce and apprenticeship programmes.”

In recent years, A&P Tyne and Cammell Laird have also completed major refits for the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet.

David McGinley, Chief Executive of APCL Group, said:

“APCL Group is delighted to have signed this latest contract with Fred. Olsen.

“The combination of APCL’s strategic locations, technical expertise, project management and vital maintenance work enables our Group to complete vital maintenance work under tight time schedules – minimising the downtime of Fred. Olsen’s fleet.”