A&P Falmouth, part of the APCL Group, has been awarded a contract to carry out the next drydocking of Fred.Olsen’s cruise ship ‘Balmoral’.
This latest contract will result in the third Fred.Olsen refit to be carried out at the Falmouth facility in two years with both ‘Bolette’ and ‘Balmoral’ previously drydocked.
A&P Tyne and Cammell Laird have also carried out significant refits on the Fred.Olsen fleet in recent years.
The signing of the new ‘Balmoral’ contract took place in Liverpool this month, between Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth (pictured left), and Samantha Stimpson, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines CEO (pictured right).
Lisa Grant, APCL Group Director of Business Development, Darren Fisher, APCL Group COO and Mike Hill, Managing Director of Cammell Laird were also in attendance.
‘Balmoral’ is set to enter drydock next month, where she will undergo a comprehensive 14-day work plan, which will include a full ultra high pressure water blast of the underwater hull and application of silicone paint system to improve fuel efficiency.
The team will also assist Kongsberg Marine with propeller and rudder modifications to improve the vessel’s propulsive propeller performance and manoeuvrability, as well as overhauls of the propeller hubs, bow thrusters, stabilisers and main engine gearbox.
Additional work will include servicing of lifeboats, davits and crane, as well as overhauls of mooring winches, fans, motors and sea valves.
David McGinley, APCL Group CEO, 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 learning from experience enables our Group to complete vital maintenance work under tight time schedules – minimising the downtime of Fred.Olsen’s fleet.
Spicer added: “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,” he said.
Stimpson commented: “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’, whilst also making a number of enhancements for our guests, and we look forward to completion of another busy and successful drydock,” she said.
