Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that the line’s newest and most innovative ship to this point, Norwegian Breakaway, successfully completed her technical and nautical sea trials which came about off the coast of Norway and Denmark. Over the process several days, Norwegian Breakaway underwent a chain of stringent tests to evaluate various nautical and technical elements, including the ship’s speed, maneuverability, and more.
In order to evaluate the ship’s speed, the Captain, navigational officers and representatives from MEYER WERFT tested all the various power outputs for the propellers. The rate was then adjusted to varied levels at each power output level. Every speed test that Norwegian Breakaway underwent was successful and exceeded the mandatory technical specifications.
To demonstrate the agility of the ship, Norwegian Breakaway performed a “Williamson’s Turn,” to find out how well the ship will be ready to turn around within the event of an on board emergency. The “Zig Zag” test was also conducted to illustrate the ship’s ability to rapidly maneuver clear of danger ahead, while still maintaining its forward course. Norwegian Breakaway passed either one of these important tests successfully.
Norwegian Breakaway also executed a successful “Turning Circle” test which is conducted by powering the ship at full speed ahead after which quickly turning at the azipods, the ship’s propulsion units, to observe the behavior of the vessel. When conducting the Turning Circle test, a undeniable minimum diameter is needed if you want to prove the ship’s seaworthiness and Norwegian Breakaway successfully executed all tests.
A “Crash Test” was also performed. This test is conducted by running the ship full steam ahead after which quickly reversing the azipods with a purpose to assess the ship’s stoppage capabilities. The stoppage is monitored in relation to time and distance and Norwegian Breakaway exceeded all the standards set.
Finally, noise and vibration tests were performed with the intention that there may be proper insulation between all staterooms, corridors and public areas. Wind levels on Norwegian Breakaway’s pool deck and The Waterfront, the ship’s outdoor dining and recreational area, were also assessed.
Norwegian’s nautical team reported that the conditions for Norwegian Breakaway’s sea trials were extraordinary, and that the ship successfully completed each of the essential tests and trials that were conducted.
With the ocean trials now complete, the on board operations team will continue the ship’s manage, getting Norwegian’s newest ship able to receive guests for a chain of inaugural events and transatlantic voyage. Following those events, the biggest cruise ship to ever be constructed in Germany, will sail seven-day cruises from Ny city to Bermuda through October 2013.
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