Italy’s Fincantieri has won a contract worth more than EUR 200m ($227m) involving the extension and modernisation of three Windstar Cruises’ ships.
Work on the Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, will be handled by Fincantieri Ship Repair and Conversion in Palermo.
The so-called Star Plus Initiative will see mid-bodies lengthened by around 26 metres; total renewal of almost all the propulsion machinery, including main engines; replacement of electrical generators, automation systems and other equipment; and the extensive modernisation of public areas, passenger cabins and open decks.
Fincantieri says in a statement that the work, which will begin in spring 2019 with construction of the first mid-body, is scheduled for completion by November 2020 with delivery of the third and final ship.
Currently, the three 10,000-gt vessels have a length of 134m and capacity for 212 passengers.
When completed, they will be around 13,000 gt, 160m in length and able to accommodate 312 passengers.
Fincantieri says cost of the conversion work is expected to be financed partly through an export credit facility guaranteed by SACE, Italy’s export credit agency.Luxury operator Windstar is part of the Xanterra Travel Collection.
Windstar president John Delaney describes the project as a “true game changer” for Windstar.
“The initiative not only creates beautiful new suites and public spaces, but we will also take the opportunity to re-engine the ships with a more fuel efficient and environmentally responsible propulsion system,” he said.
