Important New Technology News

The Peene-Werft in Wolgast, Germany, has chosen Nupas-Cadmatic software solution as their main CAD/CAE/CAM system. During an implementation project of about two months, the shipyard will implement Nupas-Cadmatic for the complete Hull structure, Piping, Machinery and Outfitting including special customizations for the yard's high-tech production facilities like profile cutting robots, automated pipe workshop, web panels and their in-house material management system. The first project - building the first of a series of heavy cargo vessels - commenced in the beginning of February 2000. A group of about 20 engineers have been trained in several disciplines of the Nupas-Cadmatic system.

In a working partnership between Carnival Corp. and the Finnish marine power systems supplier Wärtsilä, the new 86,000-ton cruise ship Carnival Spirit will be fitted with the cruise industry's first smokeless diesel engines. The Carnival Spirit, the first ship in a new class for Carnival Cruise Lines, is currently under construction at Kvaerner Masa-Yards and is expected to enter service in late spring 2001. Its inaugural season will include two Panama Canal sailings, a series of Alaska and Hawaii voyages, and a new eight-day schedule from Miami. Initially, two of the ship's six Wärtsilä 9L46D engines will be modified with the new "smokeless" engine technology.