New Ocean Giant 'Asuka III' Begins Journey from Meyer Werft to North Sea

Papenburg, Lower Saxony - The 'Asuka III', a new cruise ship, has officially embarked on its journey to the North Sea after being constructed at Meyer Werft. The keel of the vessel was laid in December 2023, and it began its maiden voyage early on a foggy Sunday morning. Measuring 230 meters in length and nearly 30 meters in width, the ship was towed backwards along the Ems River, a route that spans approximately 40 kilometers, with the assistance of tugboats.

Onlookers gathered at the dock and along the riverbanks to witness the departure of this significant addition to the cruise industry. The 'Asuka III' is expected to pass under the Jann-Berghaus Bridge in Leer later in the morning and will reach the Emssperrwerk near Gandersum in the afternoon. Its final destination for the initial leg of the journey is the Dutch port of Eemshaven, where it is anticipated to arrive by Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

Following its arrival, the ship will undergo various technical and nautical tests in the North Sea before heading to Emden for final outfitting. The delivery to the cruise line is scheduled for spring 2025.

During the ship's transit to the North Sea, the Emssperrwerk will be closed to allow the river to build up water levels, a process that has faced criticism from environmentalists who argue that it causes ecological damage.

The 'Asuka III' is notable for being the first vessel built for Japanese operator NYK Cruises by Meyer Werft. Designed specifically for the Japanese cruise market, it features a spa area complete with a Japanese outdoor bath. The ship can accommodate approximately 740 passengers, significantly fewer than many American cruise liners.

This new cruise ship is equipped with several innovative environmental features and operates on liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest fuels currently available in maritime transportation.

Moreover, Meyer Werft has experienced financial difficulties in recent years due to the impact of the global pandemic on tourism, despite having a full order book. In response, both the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony have invested in the company, each taking a 40% stake.