Page 98 - Damen Shipyards Group

98 VESSEL FOCUS | WINDERMERE LAKE CRUISES’ NEW VESSEL 99

SHIPBUILDING FOR A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
A SPECIAL VESSEL FOR inland location that is also a UK National Park and a UNESCO
Taking into account that the Swift is a one-off vessel built for an
World Heritage Site, planning the construction process was not
without challenges.
A SPECIAL PLACE Swift will then be assembled on-site, before fi nal outfi tting and
Damen is meeting these challenges by prefabricating the hull and
superstructure in several sections at one of its Polish shipyards. The
testing on the water.

“With regard to the Lake District National Park’s requirements,”
says Mr Bewley, “We have planned the work to minimise impact
on adjoining properties of the build site, we have already had a
consultation with our neighbours and have engaged the assistance
of an acoustic specialist.”

The Lake District in North West England is an
area of superlatives. In terms of raw geography,
it is home to the country’s highest peak, as
well as the largest and deepest lakes. As one
of England’s oldest national parks, it holds a
special place in the hearts and minds of all
who have ever visited. On the international
stage, the Lake District gained recognition in
2017 when it was designated a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO. The area’s natural beauty,
combined with a rich cultural heritage, has
made the Lake District National Park a hugely
popular tourist destination, attracting around
19 million visitors each year.

Playing a major role in the region’s tourist industry is Windermere To accommodate this consistent and extensive growth in visitor The content of the subsequent vessel design and construction AN EYE FOR DETAILS
Lake Cruises, a company with origins dating back to 1845. Today numbers and to enhance the sustainable transport offering on contract with Damen for Windermere Lake Cruises’ seventeenth Steel for the new vessel – to be called Swift – was cut on 9 April
th
the company operates a fl eet of sixteen lake cruising vessels: three Windermere, Mr Bewley explains that it was time to increase the size vessel refl ected these specifi c details. “We set out requirements 2019, with an eye to be fully operational in mid-2020. “It has been
traditional ‘steamers’ – each with a capacity of more than 350 – in of the fl eet. Assisted by James Fisher PLC, Windermere Lake Cruises and worked with Damen to ensure that the whole project could designed in a contemporary style, but one that remains sympathetic
addition to traditional and modern launches. fi rst approached UK-based shipyards. “However, it soon became be fulfi lled in the best way possible, with a particular emphasis on to the style of our other vessels Swan and Teal. Furthermore, it will
clear in the procurement process that the shipyard with the depth of minimising wash. be equipped with a number of features not present in our existing
MOTIVATIONS FOR GROWTH experience to undertake this project within the cost and time scale fl eet. The top deck, for example, is designed in such a way that it
“With more than 1.63 million passenger journeys made every year, requirements was Damen,” he adds. “Damen then undertook extensive computer-based modelling to can be open in good weather, but fully enclosed at the touch of a
Windermere Lake Cruises is offi cially one of the most popular ‘paid simulate wash characteristics of the vessel and amended the hull button when the weather is cooler in winter. This new vessel has
for’ attractions in England – attracting visitors from all over the UK MINIMISING WASH design accordingly. For the interior design and outfi tting, Damen been designed to provide improved accessibility with the provision
and internationally,” states the company’s chairman, Bill Bewley. Regarding design, Windermere Lake Cruises had clear-cut ideas offered us the resource department that work on superyachts, of an onboard lift and facilities being available to all passengers
Furthermore, the number of visitors is growing every year, most about what was required from a new vessel. In response to their which will give our passengers the four-star level of comfort.” The
notably from China, increasing by 286% since 2016. 364 days-per-year fl exible operations, the vessel should be able to vessel’s propulsion system is diesel-electric with azimuth pods: “It is And, with a seating capacity for 300 passengers, the Swift will
operate in all weathers and be capable to operating from smaller a 21 century propulsion system for a 21 century vessel,” he smiles. not only be the largest vessel to be ‘launched’ on the waters of
st
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jetties. Comfort, of course, was paramount: “We want to increase the Windermere for over 80 years, but it will also provide Windermere
quality of experience of our customers, creating 21 century quality, Lake Cruises with the necessary fl eet expansion to successfully
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comfort and accessibility.” manage its growing passenger numbers for years to come.