As the numbers for the European river cruising keep marking good results, Hamburg will become the centre for the international cruise, ferry and river cruise industries in September when Seatrade Europe…
As the numbers for the European river cruising keep marking good results, Hamburg will become the centre for the international cruise, ferry and river cruise industries in September when Seatrade Europe – Cruise, Ferry and River Cruise Convention will take place at CCH-Congress Center Hamburg.
Thanks to Europe`s broad, scenic and cultural waterway system it is clear to see why this Continent has become so popular as a river cruise destination. Not to be out done by Europe, river voyages in other regions are also becoming more popular, including Nile trips in Egypt, Yangtse voyages in China or river cruising on Russian waterways between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Number of river cruise passengers on the rise
Germany is the most popular destination for river cruising. While the number of German passengers decreased slightly in 2006, the number of foreign guests grew – especially the number of passengers from the USA and UK. As a result tour operators sensed a slightly over-all rise in passenger figures. “The mood in the river cruise industry is still good”, confirms Jens Huhse, President of the Association of the leading European River Cruise Companies, IG RiverCruise.
As for new ships river cruise companies are more cautious: Huhse explains, that new safety regulations for new ships, which are in operation on European waterways, caused some confusion. “The companies are a little bit uncertain, because the member states of the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine interpret the new building regulations in different ways. Additionally the costs for new ships increased by up to 30 percent due to the new regulations.”
German shipyards have order books bursting at the seams
On the other hand the number of cruise line and ferry newbuilds is setting new records: In 2006 worldwide more than 60 ferries and passenger ships with a total tonnage of 1.4 million CGT (Compensated Gross Tonnage) were delivered. At the same time new orders rose by 72 new units to 187 passenger ships with in total 6.2 million CGT.
As a result German shipyards and suppliers have benefited from this positive development. For example the Meyer Shipyard in Papenburg has ten cruise ships on its order book: This includes the 93.500 RT Norwegian Gem, which will be delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line in September. Additionally three club ships for AIDA, four Post-Panmax ships for Celebrity Cruise`s and two cruisers for Disney Cruise Line will be build at Meyer Shipyard.
Positive news is also coming from Neptun Shipyard in Rostock, a subsidiary of Meyer. One of the core competences of this company is the construction of innovative river cruise ships. A lot of ships of the Danube and Rhone class for the A-Rosa fleet were built at Neptun. Additionally Neptun has developed the innovative TwinCruiser for Premicon. This new ship concept has set a benchmark. The TwinCruiser consists of two separate hulls linked by a special coupler system. Due to the separation, vibration and noise will not be carried to the cabin section. In August Premicon ordered an additional TwinCruiser, which is already the sixth order of Premicon from Neptun Shipyard.
Seatrade Europe – Cruise, Ferry and River Cruise Convention will take place between 25 and 27 September 2007 at CCH-Congress Center Hamburg. One month before Seatrade Europe starts, more than 210 exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance (2005: 134 exhibitors). A comprehensive conference programme, more visitors than ever and an extensive social programme make this a key event in the maritime calendar.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
