Blohm+Voss appoints Fred van Beers as its Chief Executive Officer Management Board (CEO). As of 1 March 2015, Fred van Beers will take over from Dr Herbert Aly as CEO to lead Blohm+Voss’ growth strategy. His focus will be on developing the luxury yacht business. He will also work to strengthen the leading position of Blohm+Voss in general repairs and conversions with a specific focus for cruise ships and vessels for the off-shore industry.

Fred van Beers (52) has held senior leadership positions in the maritime industry for more than 15 years. He joins Blohm+Voss from his current position as Vice President Services Northern Europe at Wärtsilä, the global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the maritime industry and energy markets with a presence in more than 70 countries.

Fred van Beers is a qualified ship engineer, went to sea for four years, and has led all stages of design, engineering, production and aftermarket services. He has a proven track record in delivering profitable sales growth. Throughout his career at Wärtsilä and his positions in various maritime industry organisations in the Netherlands and Europe, Fred van Beers built up an extensive international network within the community of yacht and ship owners, yacht designers, shipyards and the maritime supply industry. For the past 20 years delivery of systems and services for yachts has been part of Fred van Beers his responsibilities.

»I admire Blohm+Voss for having delivered some of the most iconic yachts over the last 80 years – ranging from the ›SAVARONA‹ delivered in 1931 to the ›GRACEFUL‹ in 2014. I am committed to highest quality engineering and project management. I share Blohm+Voss’ strategic vision and look forward to further developing the business with my new colleagues«, said Fred van Beers.

Dr Herbert Aly joined Blohm+Voss as a Managing Director in 2004 and became Spokesman of the Management Board in 2008. He successfully focused the business on the three areas: cruise ships, off-shore units and yachts. Dr Aly initiated the change of ownership in 2012 when Blohm+Voss’ civil business was acquired by funds advised by Star Capital Partners and the members of the management team. Under the new ownership and as part of the strategic development of the company, the product portfolio was expanded and the sales and services business further strengthened.

Ernst von Freyberg, Head of the Supervisory Board of Blohm+Voss, said: »We welcome Fred van Beers. He is an exceptionally skilled leader with a long track record in the maritime industry. As owners, we are committed to a long-term viable growth plan for Blohm+Voss. On behalf of the owners, the supervisory board and the entire team, I would like to thank Dr Herbert Aly for leading Blohm+Voss over the last years.«

Cunard Line has confidence in the Hamburg-based traditional shipyard / Both the »Queen Mary 2« and the »Queen Elizabeth« used to be at Blohm+Voss for maintenance and repair

On January 5, 2015, presumably at about 3:30 a.m., the »Queen Victoria« of Cunard Line goes into dry dock ELBE 17 at Blohm+Voss. Following the docking period in 2010, the »Queen Victoria« is going to stay for the second time at the Hamburg shipyard for comprehensive maintenance and modernization work.

During the 13-day sojourn, various modernization works in the hotel, entertainment and restaurant areas will be carried out as well as various shipbuilding activities. With a length of 294 m and a gross tonnage of 90,000 the cruise liner will be adapted to the latest environmental standards. Two scrubbers and three exhaust filters will be installed. »As concerns environmental protection, in particular exhaust emission, the »Queen Victoria« will be up to date once again. As the first shipping line ever, Cunard Line had the »Queen Mary 2« provided with an environmentally friendly coating already in 2004 and, for this, had even been welcomed by Greenpeace when arriving at the Port of Hamburg. Our business is holiday on sea and we are very interested in keeping the resources such as water and the air as clean as possible and an environmental officer is on board on each of our ships«, said Anja Tabarelli, Director for Germany and Austria of Cunard Line.

The »Queen Elizabeth« has already been provided with the latest exhaust equipment at Blohm+Voss and the flag ship of Cunard Line, the »Queen Mary 2«, which is very popular in Hamburg, will be provided with scrubbers and filters during her next yard period. This overhaul, which is to take place within the next 18 months, will presumably also be done at Blohm+Voss. »The precision with which the work is done at the traditional Hamburg-based shipyard has always convinced us«, said Tabarelli. »There is a good reason, why our flag ship has been docked five times at Blohm+Voss. Even under deadline pressure, the yard has always completed the work precisely and exactly on time«.

In addition to the modernization of the exhaust system, a new ballast water treatment system will be installed on the »Queen Victoria«. Maintenance work on the propulsion units will be performed as well as minor steel repairs, paintwork and classification work.

Nine new single cabins will be arranged in the hotel area. All carpets will be replaced and new flat screens will be installed in the passenger cabins. The shopping area will be refurbished and awnings will be arranged on the free deck at the astern lido pool and on both sides of the Grill Upper Terrace.

On January 17, 2015, the cruise liner will leave the yard to start a 103-day voyage around the world on January 20, 2015.

Principal data:

Queen Victoria
Length: 294.00 m
Beam: 32.00 m
Draught: 8.00 m
Speed: max 23.7 Kn
Passengers: 1,990 Pax
Cabins 995
Crew: 981

Dry dock ELBE 17
Length: 351.20 m
Width: 59.0 m
Height: 14.50 m
Draught: 9.70 m

Three cruise liners will arrive in November and December 2014

The cruise liners »Black Watch«, »Braemar« and »Balmoral« are whipped into shape at Blohm+Voss for the 2015 season.
Work starts with the »Black Watch«, expected to arrive at the shipyard on November 4, 2014, for approx. nine (9) days. Changing on the fly, the »Braemar« will follow on November 12, 2014, and will stay for approx. seven (7) days. The »Balmoral« rounds off work. This cruise liner is expected at Blohm+Voss on December 9, 2014, and will leave the shipyard after approx. nine (9) days to start a pre-Christmas mini cruise from Southampton to France on December 19, 2014.
The working schedule for the three Fred. Olsen cruise liners comprises various pipe and mechanical engineering work. In addition, lineshaft and propeller components will be checked. Various classification work as well as paint jobs round off the stay at the shipyard.
The »Balmoral« and the »Braemar« are well known at Blohm+Voss. In November
2007, the »Balmoral« was extended amidships by a section of 30.27 meters. The »Braemar« followed in May 2008, also being extended amidships by a section of 31.20 meters from 163.81 to 195.82 meters.

Principal data:

Black Watch
Length: 205,47 m
Beam: 25,20 m
Speed: 18,5 Kn
Passengers: 804 Pax
Cabins: 804
Crew: 423

Braemar
Length: 195,92 m
Beam: 22,50 m
Speed: 17,0 Kn
Passengers: 929 Pax
Cabins: 929
Crew: 485

Balmoral
Length: 210,18 m
Beam: 28,20 m
Speed: 18,5 Kn
Passengers: 1.350 Pax
Cabins: 710
Crew: 510

Blohm+Voss has signed a »Favored Customer Agreement« with Carnival Corporation and has thus become preferred supplier for all services in the area of repair and maintenance for the Carnival Corporation fleet in Europe.

With this agreement, Blohm+Voss is the only shipyard in North Europe having signed such a contract with Carnival Corporation. Besides services, executed on plannable dockings in Hamburg, the agreement also comprises voyage and shipyard repair, carried out by Blohm+Voss’ Flying Squad – a worldwide operating and highly qualified team ready for operation within 24 hours anywhere.

»Blohm+Voss has proven itself as a partner for complex refittings and modernizations, and it is only a logical consequence for us to define the outstanding collaboration in the corresponding agreement.« explains Peter Fetten, Senior Vice President of Corporate Ship Refits for Carnival Corporation.

Adds Jan-Kees Pilaar, Managing Director Blohm+Voss Repair GmbH, »With orders from the cruise industry, Blohm+Voss has gained notable international reputation
in the past couple of years, and we are very happy that our efforts are rewarded with a ›Favored Customer Agreement‹ with the world’s largest cruise company.«

Carnival Corporation cruise ships are regular customers in the docks of Blohm+Voss. The AIDAluna as well as the Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth have both already spent time at the shipyard in 2014. At the end of November 2014, the Aurora of P&O Cruises UK is expected for a longer stay, and in January 2015, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria will dock for comprehensive refittings and repairs at Blohm+Voss.

The following brands are part of Carnival Corporation’s portfolio of industry-leading cruise lines: AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises UK, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. In all, Carnival Corp operates a fleet of 101 cruise ships; seven new cruise ships will be brought into service between 2014 and 2016.

The 2010 commissioned »Queen Elizabeth« is going to be dry-docked on Thursday, 15th May 2014 at 5:00 pm in DOCK ELBE 17.

This first scheduled dry-docking of the cruise ship »Queen Elizabeth«, of the well-established Cunard Line, will take place at Blohm+Voss. The overhaul comprises, among others, inspection and modification of the propulsion systems (2 x Azipod) as well as a scrubber installation. To improve the electric power supply on-board, a generator set will be exchanged. All 16 tender and lifeboats will be examined for serviceability and if required, maintenance work will be carried out.

Several cabins will be refurbished, some restaurant areas will be modified and new carpets will be laid. A new hull coating in traditional Cunard-style »Federal Grey« as well as comprehensive maintenance work and inspections by the classification society will make the shipyard period complete.

On June 1, 2014 »Queen Elizabeth« will leave dry-dock ELBE 17 and head towards Southampton.

Technical Data

Queen Elizabeth
Length: 294.00 m
Width: 32.00 m
Draught: 8.00 m
Speed: max 23.7 Kn
Passenger Capacity: 2.068 Pax
Cabins: 1,034
Crew: 1,003

Drydock ELBE 17
Length: 351.20 m
Width: 59.20 m
Height: 14.50 m
Draught 9.70 m

The eagerly anticipated yacht GRACEFUL left her berth in Hamburg on Friday, April 18 after the shipyard successfully achieved a challenging 23 month completion programme. This stunning yacht joins an impressive lineage of truly iconic vessels from the renowned yard and currently ranks as the 67th largest yacht ever to be launched.

Graceful was fitted out both inside and out by Blohm+Voss working alongside the owner’s representatives under the lead of Capt. Alexander Mozhayskiy. A unique, close-cooperation model was developed at the start of the project, thereby optimising the decision-making process, minimising delays and facilitating a unique scheduling system. This led to a very fast build time overall for a yacht of this size, quality and level of complexity.

Representing the ultimate in quality, engineering and yachting innovations, GRACEFUL boasts design from the award-winning H2 Design Studio in London, widely recognised as one of the most technically competent design teams in the yacht world.

One of the many reasons why the owner decided to have the yacht completed by Blohm+Voss was the unique and complex equipment and design characteristics – one of which is a 15 x 3m indoor pool, which can be converted to a dance floor by raising the pool floor. In addition to a separate owner’s area on two floors with a beach door terrace for direct access to the sea, the yacht has two VIP and three guest suites for a further 10 guests. The accommodation areas are equipped with the most modern audio and video equipment. One of the outstanding features in the silhouette of this yacht is its exceptional helicopter landing area enabling a comfortable arrival and departure for the owner and guests.

The three days of sea trials, which took place at the beginning of April 2014, proved the extraordinary performance of this yacht. All contractual specifications were either reached or exceeded.

GRACEFUL truly sets new standards in the yachting arena. She offers extremely generous spaces both inside and out, her engineering is exceptional, her striking hull and fluid exterior lines are instantly recognisable and she hides a rich, elegant interior with exquisite detailing. She is currently heading south where she will undoubtedly take pride of place on the world yachting stage, turning heads for many decades to come.

Main characteristics
Length: 82.00 m / 269.00 ft.
Beam: 13.90 m / 45.60 ft.
Draught: 3.75 m / 12.30 ft.
Speed (max.) 18.2 knots
Range: 6,000 nm

The latest yacht to be built by Blohm + Voss, under the project name GRACEFUL, has today left her building dock and is being prepared for sea trials. Delivery is scheduled for spring 2014.

On May 18, 2012, the yacht’s hull was towed by tugs to Blohm+Voss and docked in Dock 6 at the Hamburg-based shipyard to be completed and fitted out.

Over the last 18 months, the yacht designed by H2 Yacht Design has been fitted out both inside and out by Blohm+Voss in close cooperation with both the owner and Dörries Maritime Services.

One of the many reasons why the owner decided to have the yacht completed by Blohm+Voss was the unique and complex equipment and design characteristics – one of which is a 15 x 3m indoor pool, which can be converted to a dance floor by raising the pool floor. In addition to a separate owner’s area with a duplex suite and direct access to the sea via a folding balcony, the yacht has two VIP and three guest suites for a further 10 guests.

Main characteristics

Length: 82.00 m / 269.00 ft.
Beam: 13.90 m / 45.60 ft.
Draught: 3.75 m / 12.30 ft.
Speed (max.) 17.6 knots
Range: 5,500 nm

Pritzker prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid has collaborated with the renowned Hamburg- based shipbuilders Blohm+Voss to design a new superyacht.

The design concept, launched at the latest exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s work at the David Gill Gallery in London, is based around the sculptural form of a master prototype conceived for a 128 m yacht. In addition, The Unique Circle Yachts by Zaha Hadid Architects for Blohm+Voss is a family of five individual 90m yachts that creatively explore the design philosophies of the master prototype within the technical requirements of a fully-engineered yacht design.

The overall design is informed by fluid dynamics and underwater ecosystems, with hydrodynamic research informing the design of the hull. The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the yacht’s external appearance; evoking the organic structural systems found in natural marine formations. This exoskeleton connects the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals. Whereas traditional yacht designs adhere to a strict horizontal order, Hadid has created an intense connectivity between the various decks and elements of the design. The fluid design language of the master prototype has been applied to subsequent variations of the Unique Circle Yachts 90 m yacht concepts, creating a coherent design with the highest correlation between the various design options.

The 90m JAZZ yacht is the first of the five Unique Circle Yachts that has been technically specified and detailed by the naval architects at Blohm+Voss. Its lineage from the 128m master prototype is evident, with further technical refinements to address the specifications required for ocean crossings.

In addition to JAZZ, four further 90m yachts have been designed to fulfil the different requirements and individual requests of their designated owners. Each design will vary in layout according to the owner’s preferences.

The design process was very much a collaborative one, with Blohm+Voss and ZHA working together to address the practical challenges of designing a yacht while remaining true to the strong iterative design language of the master prototype. The resulting designs are the synergy of Hadid’s design vision and the technical expertise of Blohm+Voss, allowing a flexibility and customisation in the eventual design of the yacht.

»As a dynamic object that moves in dynamic environments, the design of a yacht must incorporate additional parameters beyond those for architecture – which all become much more extreme on water. Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality and safety.« explained Zaha Hadid.

Blohm+Voss has the proven experience, the in-house technical expertise, and the capacities to offer tailor-made solutions for the most demanding buyers in the superyacht market. The naval architects of Blohm+Voss are forever pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. In recent years Blohm+Voss has built many of the world’s most prestigious mega yachts. These include the groundbreaking 394-foot »A« designed by Philippe Starck and the »Eclipse«, designed by Terence Disdale, which at 533 feet (162.5 m), is the world’s second largest private yacht. Other Blohm + Voss superyacht projects include, the “Mayan Queen IV« and the »Palladium«.

Dr. Herbert Aly, CEO and Managing Partner of Blohm+Voss says: »On an aesthetic level a superyacht is a great design task as everything is customised down to the last detail. A superyacht is by definition an exercise in total design, where every detail is looked at with attention and refinement. In the past, in the era of steam liners, there has been an attempt of utilising ship building elements in architecture. Zaha Hadid and her team have taken this ethos and created a bold new vision and a new benchmark in the design of superyachts.«

Aly adds: »The idea of the Unique Circle Yachts allows for variation of a genotype and its phenotypes, offering a range of possible solutions based on an cognate platform. As a result Zaha Hadid’s design is malleable to suit the very individual wishes and needs of a potential customer which lies at the heart of Blohm+Voss’ approach to yacht design. The strength of the design lies not just in its functionality and form, but also its effortless adaptability.«