Gibdock carries out back-to-back cruise ship projects

Gibraltar ship repairer Gibdock reports that back-to-back cruise ship projects at at its No. 1 dock saw the return of the 37,584 gt, 1,575-passenge Thomson Destiny for its fourth visit since a first refit in Gibraltar in 2006.

The Thomson Destiny arrived at the yard on November 13 to undertake works afloat and then docked on November 21, one day after the Pullmantur Zenith left the 260 m x 38 m x 10 m dock after a 12-day stay (see earlier story).

“In many ways this was a routine dry docking, but with two large cruise ships docking one after the other we had to make doubly sure we managed the time pressures very carefully,” says Gibdock Commercial Director, Richard Beards.

“Both vessels had to be completed by very specific dates in order to be able to maintain their cruise schedules and we once again demonstrated our reliability by delivering both ships within the time scales set by the owners.”

The 214 m long, 1982-built Thomson Destiny is owned by Louis Cruises and is on long term charter with Thomson Cruises. During the two week stay at Gibdock the shipyard carried out a variety of tasks including high pressure washing and painting of the vessel’s hull, refurbishment of the anchor chain, sea valves and bow thruster, pipe work and steel repairs in the tanks. Before entering dry dock the yard carried out afloat repairs alongside.

Mr. Beards says: “We have developed a close working relationship with Louis Cruises and the fact that we have been able to secure repeat business of this type shows we are gaining the trust of leading regional cruise operators.”

Gibdock’s long-time Greek agent, Hellenic Industrial and Marine Agencies, was closely involved in this project, liaising with the owner to ensure the yard fully met its requirements.

“Gibdock has an excellent reputation among local owners, due to a combination of reliability, on-time delivery and high quality,” says Alkis Koukis, managing director. “This latest docking of Thomson Destiny went very well and Louis Cruises was extremely pleased with the outcome.

“There was a very tight schedule but Gibdock got the job done to time and the feedback we have had from the owner was once again very positive.”

Louis Cruises’ superintendant, Chrysanthos Chrysanthou adds: “Gibdock’s project management has been very successful as the yard was able to handle multiple activities, and adapt to changes and additional requirements, and still complete all works ahead of time.

“Cruise ships have tight schedules while on dry docking and each activity has to be planned and processed to ensure that all deadlines are met, while maintaining accuracy and high quality standards.

“Gibdock is one of the most convenient locations for ship repair with facilities close to the vessel’s operating routes. We have built a shared understanding and successful cooperation over the years and we look forward to continuing in the future.”

February 3, 2012