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MV Werften lays keels for Crystal's first Rhine-class river vessels

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KT Lim pitches in at the keel-laying (Photo: Crystal River Cruises)
Construction began on Crystal River Cruises' first newbuilds as the keels were laid for Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler during a ceremony at MV Werften in Wismar.

Next summer the two Rhine-class vessels are scheduled to begin sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube.

In the presence of Tan Sri KT Lim, chairman of Crystal parent company Genting Hong Kong; Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s president and ceo; and Erwin Sellering, prime minister of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the first sections of the ships were lowered into position on keel blocks.

'This keel-laying marks an important milestone for us. These river yachts are not only the first brand-new vessels under the Crystal River Cruises brand, but also the first constructed in our very own shipyard,' Lim said.

Rodriguez echoed the chairman’s sentiments, saying, 'We are thrilled to take this step toward offering our travel-savvy guests another option in which to explore the world in the utmost luxury.'

Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler will measure approximately 135 meters in length and 11 meters at the beam. Each will accommodate 110 passengers in all-suite luxury.

'We are proud to have these beautiful ships produced in our city, under our flag,' Sellering said. 'Crystal’s reputation for excellence and discerning standards are shared by the professionals at MV Werften, and the partnership will doubtlessly produce an unparalleled product for global travelers.'

MV Werften's orderbook includes a total of 10 vessels in the next five years, among them the so-called 'Wismar-max class.' These 201,000gt ships for Genting HK's Star Cruises will stretch more than 340 meters long and 45 meters wide. The production will start end of 2017 and the delivery to Star Cruises is planned for 2020.

'We have grand plans, are headed in the right direction and will strengthen our staff and skills further in the fields of planning, design, procurement and project management,' said Jarmo Laakso, md of MV Werften.