Despite high water and a global lockdown, Silversea Cruises is ready to take delivery of its new expedition ship Silver Origin from Dutch shipyard De Hoop.
The shipyard imposed rigid safety procedures, reduced its workforce, and devised ingenious ways to overcome challenges, including a world-first remote testing in a sea trial.
Relatively isolated in Lobith, a remote corner of the Netherlands, De Hoop shipyard offered its approximately 250 employees the option to cease working, but approximately 200 opted to continue. They underwent daily temperature checks; enhanced cleaning procedures were established throughout Silver Origin and a barge that housed workers; and strict social distancing measures were implemented
Video calls replaced face-to-face conversations, as flights were cancelled and contractors could no longer reach the yard. Necessary supplies were cut off: carpeting, loose furniture and the onboard art collection were delayed in arriving, while the closure of Italy disrupted the installation of the ship’s windows and galley. The stringent lockdown threatened the project’s progress.
Shallow waters on the Waal River had delayed Silver Origin’s float out from November to the end of December, 2019 and then January and February brought heavy rain to Western Europe leading to unusually high water levels. This prevented Silver Origin and the barge from passing beneath 12 bridges that separate De Hoop Shipyard for sea trials that finally happened at the end of April.
Because the travel ban prevented sub-contractors from reaching the ship, Silver Origin’s sea trials included a world-first. The dynamic positioning acceptance test– which verifies the ship’s ability to remain within 10 centimeters of a fixed point without dropping anchor –was remotely tuned by a company in Russia, 1,800 kilometres away.
Finishing touches are now being applied to Silver Origin ahead of the ship’s delivery to Silversea in the Netherlands. The ship will sail to the Galapagos Islands to be flagged Ecuadorian and the inaugural Galapagos cruise is now slated for Oct. 2.
The 100 guests will enjoy the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos Islands. A team of seven expedition experts will lead immersive shore experiences for guests. In addition to guided Zodiac excursions, hikes, and nature walks ashore—all of which are included in the fare—these passionate and knowledgeable professionals will offer on-board lectures, discussions and recaps in Silver Origin’s innovative Basecamp.
Enriching the experience are such all-inclusive amenities as complimentary select wines, premium spirits and soft drinks served throughout the ship; in-suite mini-bar stocked with local snacks; 24-hour room service and in-suite dining; complimentary wi-fi and complimentary expedition gear that includes a waterproof backpack, raincoat and premium metallic water bottle.
Silversea is currently working on enhanced sanitary protocols across its fleet to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to resume safe and healthy cruising when sailing resumes, which the company hopes will happen in mid-July.
