Looks like Meyer Werft may have Eclipse positioned forward

[marinearchit]

Judging by the early webcam shots, where it's still hard to tell, it appears that Meyer may be building the Eclipse with her bow facing the hall's doors.

 

http://www.meyerwerft.de/page.asp?lang=d&main=2&subs=0&did=826

 

By looking at the webcam for AIDAblu, it appears she is positioned with her bow towards the hall's doors.

 

It'd be helpful if someone can clarify which end of the pool area is constructed. I'm really curious to see if they have changed the ship's position, as I don't know why they would've done this.

[excitedofharpenden]

I think they are building it the same way round. This is a pic of Solstice at the yard at just about the same stage:

 

 

Phil

[Hypo]

I would surmise that the direction the ship is being built is determined by the direction that they wish the ship to go when they proceed down the river to the sea. I don't think that the basin outside the build hall is large enough to turn the ship 180 degrees.

 

I remember that when Solstice was being readied to take out to sea, that they said that taking her down the river, stern first, actually was easier as the ship was more maneuverable with the azipods on the "front" end, so to speak.

 

Hypo

[marinearchit]

I remember that when Solstice was being readied to take out to sea, that they said that taking her down the river, stern first, actually was easier as the ship was more maneuverable with the azipods on the "front" end, so to speak.

 

That was my though exactly. I wasn't sure.

 

Phil, thanks for the picture of Solstice as clarification.

[excitedofharpenden]

That was my though exactly. I wasn't sure.

 

Phil, thanks for the picture of Solstice as clarification.

If you are interested I put together a time lapse of the building of Solstice at this link:

 

http://good-times.webshots.com/video/3098777520054958397HhQmsk

 

I was going to do the same with Equinox as I have a more continuous picture record, but they are on two different computers and I haven't got down to doing it yet. I guess I have way too much time on my hands!:o

 

Phil

[melissa@cruisecritic]

I am actually headed out to see Celebrity Equinox this weekend at Meyer Werft in Papenburg and -- weather permitting -- sail on the backward transit on the River Ems! I am blogging about it here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1006852

 

I'll definitely be investigating and writing about exactly why the ships are built facing the way they are and then tugged down the river. I do think there is something to the theory that it's easier to maneuver that way. I'll let you know what I find out on the "blog"! :)

[cruisingdelt]

If you are interested I put together a time lapse of the building of Solstice at this link:

 

http://good-times.webshots.com/video/3098777520054958397HhQmsk

 

I was going to do the same with Equinox as I have a more continuous picture record, but they are on two different computers and I haven't got down to doing it yet. I guess I have way too much time on my hands!:o

 

Phil

 

Thanks for your work!

[marinearchit]

Actually, I just noticed the machinery is already being put in to place at the bottom right of the webcam. Looks like she is being built the same way as Solstice and Equinox.