The steel cutting for any new ship is an important milestone and signifies the start of the construction phase. For Project Sphere, this event marked something more, the start of construction for a new class of ship, the Sphere class.
The event took place on 2 September in San Giorgio di Nogaro (Udine) at Centro Servizi Navali, a company specialised in logistics and production of sheet metal for Fincantieri. Representing and signing, on behalf of Corporate Shipbuilding, the all-important piece of steel was Stefano Negro, Senior Director, Contract Management and Kristian Kukic, Team Leader, Monfalcone site office.
Sharing what the steel cutting ceremony meant to him, Stefano said:
“The steel cutting ceremony is a very public milestone and one that we should all take pride in. I joined Corporate Shipbuilding to work on this project a number of years ago, working first on the pre-contract phase.
So for me personally, reaching this milestone is a mixture of emotions, but one that stands out is how it gives everyone the motivation to keep moving forward, it recharges our energy levels.
This project wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible efforts and commitment of everyone involved and proves we are a great team. And that’s not just me saying it but we have received praise from all parties involved, the shipyard, our executives within the Corporation, the operating lines, so let’s keep up our great work.”
At 175,000 gross tons, the Sphere vessels will be the largest ships built so far in Italy. They will each accommodate approximately 4,300 guests and will be based on a next-generation platform design, being the first Princess Cruises ships to be dual-fuel powered primarily by LNG.