seatec - Finnish marine technology review 2/2009 | Page 25

mile transit – known as the “conveyance” – with flying colours. Moving backwards, the ship navigated the passing of a railway bridge in Weener, a highway bridge in Leer, and a narrow passage in Gandersum. Ironically, then, the ship performed the most complicated ride it is likely to ever encounter long before the maiden voyage. Due to the size and scale of the ship, the transit could take place only during absolutely ideal weather conditions: when the river is at high tide, when winds are extremely calm, and when tidal barriers are closed, in order to ensure there is enough Celebrity Equinox Lawn Club. water to accommodate the draft of the exhilarating, but not without its share of ship. Celebrity Equinox’s Captain Aposto- by sea trials. Finally, on 16 July Celebrity trepidation,” Bouzakis commented. Equinox was officially delivered from Mey- los Bouzakis was unfazed by the challenge, Together with sister ship Celebri- er Werft to Celebrity Cruises. After chang- remarking that he was glad for the oppor- ty Solstice, the two cruise vessels are the ing hands, the ship sailed on to Southamp- tunity to test the maneuverability of the largest ships ever to have sailed on the ton for a complete a series of inspections. ship at reduced speeds. River Ems. “ %Ё