en.Wedoany.com Reported - Damen Shiprepair has completed an annual dry dock inspection for the 253-meter AIDAmar cruise ship, operated by AIDA Cruises, at its Botlek dock in Rotterdam, while the vessel was carrying approximately 2,000 passengers, transforming a routine technical check into a carefully coordinated special dry dock experience.
The AIDAmar departed from Warnemünde, Germany, on July 3 for a five-day voyage, with the highlight being a 24-hour stop in Rotterdam, during which passengers had a close-up view of the ship's docking operation. On July 5, the vessel entered the shipyard's 275-meter-long, 40.3-meter-wide Dry Dock No. 6. Once in position, the dock was drained, and shipyard personnel began inspection work.
"The technical scope of the project was very straightforward," said Edwin Steijaert, Project Manager at Damen Shiprepair. "This is something we do regularly, often with crew on board. What made it unusual—and a considerable logistical challenge—was the presence of passengers." He emphasized that as an ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) shipyard, it was essential to ensure safe and controlled access for personnel. Damen Shiprepair is satisfied with how it handled this special project.
Damen Shiprepair provided passengers with an optimal experience, including a tour of an exhibition showcasing the history of Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam and past projects, including those carried out for AIDA Cruises and its parent company, Carnival Corporation. The shipyard also installed temporary platforms inside the dock for guests to view and photograph the vessel, along with shaded areas for passengers who took daytime bus tours to various parts of the Netherlands. All facilities were wheelchair accessible. Each visitor also received a commemorative bag containing traditional Dutch gifts such as a wooden shoe keychain and Damen-branded stroopwafels.
Rogier van der Laan, Cruise Product Manager at Damen Shiprepair, noted that this is not the typical type of project executed, but Damen Shiprepair was willing to meet AIDA Cruises' requirements and was excited to deliver this extraordinary experience. Although the project was not without challenges, the team successfully completed this special task.
