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AIDAnova and Le Commandant Charcot call at Southampton for the first time

LNG-powered cruise ships AIDAnova and Le Commandant Charcot arrived at the Port of Southampton for the first time ever on April 23 and April 26, respectively.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

April 28, 2023

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Both vessels were received at the recently completed Horizon Cruise Terminal, which is equipped with shore power capability and fitted with more than 2,000 roof-mounted solar arrays.

Plaque exchange ceremony 

Rebekah Keeler, head of cruise, Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton exchanged plaques with AIDAnova Capt. Michael Schmid in a traditional plaque and key ceremony. The ship, which has capacity for 5,000 passengers, was at the mid-point of a 10-day cruise from Lisbon to Kiel, also calling at Zeebrugge, Bruges and Oslo, and left Southampton on Sunday evening.   

‘It was fantastic to welcome AIDAnova to Horizon Cruise Terminal,’ remarked Keeler. ‘Since we launched ABP’s sustainability strategy earlier this year, what better way to have our first plaque and key exchange of the 2023 cruise season than with a cruise ship powered on LNG, capable of taking shore power and calling at our Horizon Cruise Terminal. 

‘We look forward to welcoming AIDAnova back to Southampton during her future cruises.’ 

 A speedy visit 

On the 27-passenger capacity vessel Le Commandant Charcot’s visit, Keeler stated, ‘It was wonderful to welcome Le Commandant Charcot into Southampton on its maiden call. It was a first for Southampton, welcoming a hybrid exploration ship to the port. 

‘I am proud that, alongside our fantastic partners, the Port of Southampton can cater for all vessels, large and small, as shown this week.’ 

The LNG-powered, 2021-built vessel left after a short time, arriving on Wednesday at 7 a.m. and departing for Brest at 10 a.m. the same day.

Read more about:

Port of SouthamptonLNG

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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