Cammell Laird welcomes first cruise ship into dry dock in 25 years
Birkenhead shipyard, Cammell Laird, has celebrated a milestone with the first cruise ship to use its facilities in 25 years.
The MV Borealis, operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, is in dry dock for a multimillion-pound programme of works.
The 238-metre cruise ship carries up to 1,360 passengers and 600 crew.
The Borealis has now entered number five dry dock for a range of works, including steel repair works, the overhaul of shafts and props, the instillation of an incinerator and underwater paint.
More than 150 members of Cammell Laird’s staff will begin working on the vessel. They will be joined by more 15 apprentices and hundreds more from Cammell Laird’s supply chain.
Mike Hill, Cammell Laird managing director, said: “The arrival of the MV Borealis into Cammell Laird marks a significant milestone for the business as we look to break into the cruise ship market.
“Cammell Laird’s position on the banks of the River Mersey makes it an ideal facility for cruise ships operating out of Liverpool Cruise Terminal.”
He added: “Cammell Laird is proud of its unrivalled reputation in the commercial ship repair market, and we want to extend this offering to the cruise sector.”
Since launching in 2007, Liverpool Cruise Terminal has grown significantly making Liverpool a world class cruise destination.
The number of cruise ship visits to Liverpool has grown each year and is due to exceed more than 100 visits in 2023. Since 2012, Liverpool Cruise Terminal became a turn-around destination for cruise operators, meaning that vital ship repair and maintenance can be completed at Cammell Laird to fit in with a vessel’s cruise schedule.
Mike Hill said: “It is vital that ship repair projects are completed on schedule to minimise the downturn of each vessel. The combination of our strategic location, dry docks, fabrication services and wide-reaching skills and capabilities makes Cammell Laird a first class choice for cruise customers who operate out of Liverpool and beyond.”
David McGinley, CEO said: “It is fantastic to welcome Fred. Olsen’s Borealis into Cammell Laird.
“Contracts such as these help us to sustain our workforce, apprenticeship programme and supply chain which drives prosperity and adds real social value to the North West of England. We hope this is the start of a significant partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.”
Peter Deer, managing director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Liverpool has been the home port of Borealis since we resumed sailing in 2021.
“We have been sailing from the city for almost 20 years now and we are really pleased to be extending this relationship with Cammell Laird as Borealis undertakes her first dry docking at this facility on the River Mersey.
“As a family-run cruise line, we know how important it is to support local communities. By docking in Merseyside, we are pleased to be supporting the Cammell Laird workforce, the local community here and the wider supply chain.
“We look forward to developing an even stronger working relationship with Cammel Laird, both now and in the future.”
