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Royal Caribbean’s Icon newbuilds to be classed by DNV GL

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RCI's Icon class pair to be classed by DNV GL
Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku Shipyard and DNV GL have signed a contract for the classification of Royal Caribbean International’s new Project Icon vessels.

The contract covers two vessels with delivery scheduled for 2022 and 2024.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd entered into financing agreements for the first and second Project Icon ships last October.

‘It is a proud day for DNV GL to have been entrusted with the classification of the first vessels of the new Icon Class,’ says Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, ceo of DNV GL – Maritime.

‘These ships are set to push the envelope of what we can expect from a modern cruise vessel in terms of environmental performance, and we are looking forward to supporting Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku to realise a successful delivery.’

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is envisioned as the primary fuel for the new vessels. The pair will also introduce fuel cell technology, which in combination with hull air lubrication means that the ships could potentially be some of the most fuel efficient cruise vessels ever constructed, notes DNV GL.

‘To have been chosen to be part of this innovative project is a huge win for our entire global cruise team,’ says Paal Johansen, global cruise ship director, DNV GL – Maritime.

The final concept for the first vessel is currently being discussed, and the concept design phase is expected to start this spring. The initial building phase of the first ship will begin next year, with keel laying planned for October 2019.