Drive-to ports, 'drive-to' repairers

摘要

Cruise ship repair is big business in the U.S. According to the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), cruise lines had direct spending of $386 million on ship repair and vessel maintenance in 2002. With cruise lines positioning more ships at drive-to destinations in North America, capital expenditures such as vessel maintenance, repair and drydock fees are expected to increase. That spells good news for shipyards close to drive-to destinations such as Mobile, Ala., Norfolk, Va., and Baltimore, Md. Even before it begins sailing from the Port of Mobile this October, Carnival Cruise Line's Holiday was in Mobile for a quick visit to Atlantic Marine-Mobile. Carnival's 46,052-gross ton Holiday arrived at the yard for repairs on December 2nd. Atlantic's 50,000-ton Drydock Alabama was used for the 17-day project. The work was comprised mainly of standard drydocking items.