Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven GmbH, a renowned German shipyard now under the ownership of Malaysian-based Genting Group, has recently seen an intensive period of activity, having completed significant work on four cruise ships. These operations reflect the yard’s growing specialization in cruise ship maintenance, conversions, and yacht newbuilding projects as it pivots away from traditional cargo ship repairs.
AIDAvita Leads the Charge
The 203-meter-long AIDAvita, built in 2012 and operated by AIDA Cruises, was the first vessel to dock this season. Arriving at the end of March, she underwent a ten-day drydocking in the shipyard’s expansive Kaiserdock II. In addition to routine classification and technical maintenance, extensive refurbishment took place in the ship’s public areas. AIDA Cruises led much of the interior renovation work, supported by Lloyd Werft’s technical team.
AIDAvita also received a fresh coat of paint—approximately 9,000 liters were used. Key mechanical components, including the bow thrusters, propeller drives, and side hull stabilizers, were thoroughly inspected. Meanwhile, her lifeboats were serviced at Fassmer Shipyard, while the davits remained at Lloyd Werft for inspection.
Maintenance on Minerva and National Geographic Explorer
Almost concurrently, the 135.1-meter Minerva entered Floating Dock III for general maintenance and classification tasks. Built in 1996 at Mariotti Shipyard in Genoa, the vessel, which accommodates 350 passengers, has previously undergone significant modifications at Lloyd Werft, including the addition of a new deck, suites, and balconies, as well as the installation of a fuel-saving Promas system from Rolls-Royce.
Following close behind was the expedition vessel National Geographic Explorer. Owned by Lindblad Expeditions Inc., the 112-meter ship docked for the fifth time at the Bremerhaven yard after a lengthy expedition in the Antarctic. Routine maintenance and class work were conducted at Floating Dock VI, located within the facilities of German Dry Docks (GDD) in Kaiserhafen 1.
Plantours’ Hamburg Joins the Lineup
Another cruise vessel to receive attention was Hamburg, operated by Bremen-based Plantours Kreuzfahrten. After disembarking 350 guests at the Columbus Cruise Center on April 26, the 144-meter ship entered Floating Dock V at GDD for standard maintenance and classification. Once work was completed, she proceeded to Hamburg to begin her next itinerary from the Hafencity Cruise Terminal on May 10.
