Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis has become the first cruise ship in more than 25 years to be refurbished at Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead.
The multimillion-pound refit at the River Mersey facility took two weeks and included steel repairs, an overhaul of the shafts and propellers as well a new application of underwater paint
The 1,338-passenger ship sailed out of the site on Saturday, ready for a cruise from Liverpool in search of the Northern Lights.
The ship is to embark on the company’s first world cruise from Liverpool in February.
Borealis joined the fleet in 2020 from Holland America Line, and has called Liverpool its homeport since sailing resumed following the pandemic in 2021, offering more than 50 sailings from the city.
A report to the local authority’s culture and visitor economy committeeearlier this year found Borealis had contributed more than £2.25 million to the local economy by using Liverpool as its homeport.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines managing director Peter Deer said: “I would like to thank the people of Liverpool, Birkenhead and Cammell Laird for looking after our ship Borealis during her time in dry dock.
“We’ve been sailing from Liverpool for almost 20 years and we’re so proud to have this fantastic city as Borealis’ homeport.
“We cherish the relationship we have with the people in the area, whether that be our guests, our friends at Cruise Liverpool or the men and women of Cammell Laird who have worked hard to get Borealis refurbished in time for her upcoming sailings.
“As a family-run cruise line, we know how important it is to support local communities and we hope to continue to build these relationships in and around Liverpool for many years to come.”
Camel Laird chief executive David McGinley added: “Cammell Laird was delighted to welcome Borealis and her crew to our facility, and be given the opportunity to showcase Cammell Laird’s ship repair capabilities.
“It took over 150 members of the Cammell Laird workforce, including apprentices, to complete the programme of works – which injected well in excess of a £1 million into the local economy.
“Contracts such as these deliver significant economic value to the Liverpool City region and we look forward to welcoming the Borealis again as well as other members of the Fred Olsen fleet.”