VIDEO: Boskalis solution will speed Carnival Vista Azipod repairs

World's largest heavy lift ship will be used to transport 3,998 passenger cruise ship to Grand Bahama Shipyard

In a first of its kind operation, Carnival Cruise Line has contracted Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) to lift its cruise ship Carnival Vista out of the water onto the world’s largest heavy lift ship, Boka Vanguard, and transport it to Grand Bahama shipyard for a dry docking operation.

The 3,934-passenger Carnival Vista, which entered service in May 2016, has been operating on revised itineraries for its last two cruises because of problems with one of its two Azipod thrusters that meant it could operate only at reduced speeds.

“This groundbreaking procedure made possible by Boskalis is a revolutionary way to ensure Carnival Vista’s repairs are completed in a safe, timely and efficient manner, so the ship can resume her popular seven-day schedule from Galveston later this month,” said Lars Ljoen, executive vice president of marine operations for Carnival Cruise Line.

Boka Vanguard is expected to arrive in Bahamian waters on Friday, July 5 to prepare for Carnival Vista’s arrival on July 12. The loading, transport and repairs are expected to take approximately two weeks, allowing Carnival Vista to return to Galveston in time for her July 27 voyage and continue with year-round seven-day Caribbean itineraries.