In dense fog, there was little to see for many early risers on Sunday morning as Meyer Werft’s latest cruise ship made the Emspassage.
The 230 m long and 29.8 m wide “Asuka III” reached the Dutch port of Eemshaven safely after a successful voyage across the Ems. The latest newbuild from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg is due to be completed there.
Dense fog over the Ems initially prevented a view of the snow-white newbuild from the Japanese shipping company Asuka Cruises, a subsidiary of NYK Cruises. The cruise ship left the shipyard’s dock lock stern first and headed north on the Ems with the help of a tugboat.
Despite the fog, the passage went faster than planned. From the Jann-Berghaus Bridge in Leer, the newbuild presented itself in bright sunshine. At lunchtime, the cruise ship reached the Ems barrier in Gandersum and then Eemshaven.
“Asuka III” is powered by LNG
After further technical trials and adjustment voyages on the North Sea, the 52,000 GT cruise ship will later set course for Emden, where further outfitting will take place.
The “Asuka III”, which is powered by the low-emission fuel LNG, is the first ship built by Meyer Werft for the Japanese shipping company NYK Cruises and the first passenger ship in 30 years to be built under the supervision of the Japanese flag state. It is likely to remain a one-off, as there are no plans for a sister ship.
The “Asuka III” has numerous solutions tailored to the Japanese market. These include, for example, the spa area with a Japanese open-air bath for the approximately 740 passengers.
The ship is scheduled for delivery in April, after which it will set course for Japan, where the final interior fittings will be completed by the summer. The six-day maiden voyage is scheduled to start on July 20. The summer program then includes a total of 17 cruises until 21 October. (CE)
