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Norwegian Bliss completes Ems conveyance, starts sea trials

(Photo: Heiner Lohmann)
Norwegian Bliss makes the tricky transit along the Ems River to the North Sea
Norwegian Bliss arrived at Eemshaven on the North Sea Thursday morning local time after completing its conveyance along the Ems River. The ship had left Meyer Werft in Papenburg on Tuesday night.

Norwegian Bliss put in to the Netherlands seaport punctually, according to local media, and after taking on additional provisions and crew members was scheduled to leave Thursday night for the first in a series of sea trials.

Measuring 994 feet long, 136 feet wide and with gross tonnage of 168,028, the ship traveled along the Ems in reverse, for greater maneuverability/safety, escorted by tugs. Norwegian Bliss made the narrow passage through Meyer Werft’s sea lock with less than four feet of clearance. This very careful maneuver, the first of many, took about two hours at a speed of only 0.2 knots.

The precise navigation included a team of experienced Ems River pilots, navigation officers, the yard captain and the local German waterway authorities.

After passing through the sea lock, Norwegian Bliss continued along the river stern first. The Ems journey included transiting the narrow passages of the Friesenbrücke Bridge in Weener, Jann Berghaus Bridge in Leer and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum.

Norwegian Cruise Line is scheduled to take delivery of its 16th ship on April 19 in Bremerhaven. Norwegian Bliss will then set off across the Atlantic on April 21 and is due to arrive stateside on May 3 to begin the most extensive inaugural tour of any ship in company history. Events will take place in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles, concluding with the May 30 christening ceremony at the newly upgraded Pier 66 at the Port of Seattle.

Norwegian Bliss begin seven-day Alaska service June 2.