On 24th July, ‘Spirit of Adventure’, the second new cruise ship for Saga Cruises was floated out of Meyer Werft’s covered building dock I (hall 5).
During the float out, the funnel was lifted onto the ship by crane and mounted. The ship was then moved to the outfitting pier for tests.
In August the ship is due to start her passage down the River Ems to Emden to embark on sea trials.
Meyer Werft also announced that most of its employees will be put on an extended summer holiday lasting up to six weeks, due to the pandemic.
The company’s regular July summer holiday typically lasts for two to three weeks, but this is being extended to six weeks through end of August. However, a few employees, as well as partners and suppliers, will continue to work on some of the projects.
Bernard Meyer had previously said that the shipyard would slow production and he was in discussions with the cruise lines to reschedule delivery dates to better manage the yard’s workflow.
Overtime work and contractors were being reduced in an effort to save money. According to German media reports, the shipyard is seeking to reduce costs by €1.2 bill over the next five years.
Many of the yard’s 3,000 plus employees will have to wait to receive holiday pay until later this year, a move that is believed will save the yard €14 mill, local media said.
The German state and federal governments are discussing financial assistance to the shipbuilding industry to maintain jobs.
