Norwegian Pearl finally transits the River Ems

**Ally** · 11-08-2006, 09:48 AM

The 93,500-gt cruise liner “Norwegian Pearl” departed Meyer Werft Ship Yards on on Monday night the November 6, 2006, following a delay. The ship’s departure from the pier in the Papenburg harbour and her passing of the lock in Papenburg.

A team of the pilots from Emden will again be in charge of the river passage of the ship. The pilots also handled Ems passages of the Meyer Werft ships in the previous years. The whole team was trained to perform the complete manoeuvre at the computer-controlled simulator in Wageningen (Netherlands) to ensure best possible preparation.

Also the "Norwegian Pearl" will travel down the river Ems backwards as this procedure has proven itself. She will operate her own propulsion system, but will be supported by two tugs, the "Wal" (output 2 x 1,600kW) and the "Bremerhaven" (output 2 x 1,450 kW) so as to provide double back-up in case one tug fails.

The new luxury liner will travel down the river Ems fully equipped and outfitted. After the technical and nautical sea trials on the North Sea, which will follow next, the completed ship will be delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line in early December.

Building dock no. 6 already holds the next cruise ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, the "Norwegian Gem". She will leave Papenburg in the autumn of 2007.

For additional information on Meyer Werft Shipyards or Norwegian Cruise Line, please visit their respective websites at www.MeyerWerft.de or Welcome to The NCL.com

**middy** · 11-08-2006, 09:59 AM

At least no blackout this time.

**Ally** · 11-08-2006, 10:01 AM

That was very embarrassing. At least she can now start her sea trials, Phil & Sue are aboard her from Rotterdam at the end of the month and will be taking loads of photos for me to put on here