Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral is set to enter dry dock for a two-week refurbishment programme next month.

The contract has been awarded to A&P Falmouth, part of the APCL Group, which has previously carried out works on Bolette and Balmoral.

Work will include an ultra-high pressure water blast of the underwater hull, application of silicone paint to improve fuel efficiency and an overhaul of the propellors, bow thrusters, stabilisers and main engine gearbox.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We are proud to be working with APCL on our fifth drydock contract.

“Working with a UK yard means that together we are feeding directly back into the local economy, while also providing invaluable experience to A&Ps many apprentices.

“These programmes are vital, allowing us to complete essential maintenance to our wonderful smaller ship Balmoral, while also making a number of enhancements for our guests, and we look forward to completion of another busy and successful drydock.”

Additional works will include the servicing of lifeboats, davits and crane as well as overhauls of mooring winches, fans, motors and sea valves.

The signing of the dry dock contract took place in Liverpool in September.

Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth, said:

“Our location in the southwest of England makes it an ideal destination for cruise ship maintenance, particularly for vessels operating in this region.

“Contracts such as these not only underscore our reputation in the industry but also contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting both our workforce and apprenticeship programmes.”

A&P Tyne and Cammell Laird have also carried out significant refits of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet in recent years.

David McGinley, Chief Executive of APCL Group, said:

“APCL Group is delighted to have signed this latest contract with Fred. Olsen.

“The combination of APCL’s strategic locations, technical expertise, project management and vital maintenance work enables our Group to complete vital maintenance work under tight time schedules – minimising the downtime of Fred. Olsen’s fleet.”