Posted on March 14, 2023
A&P Falmouth has completed a multi-million-pound programme of works on the largest passenger ship to visit the facility in over 60 years.
The MV Bolette is Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ flagship vessel and carries up to 1338 passengers and 645 crew.
The Bolette entered dry dock for a 13-day refurbishment, including maintenance to the ship’s Azipods and bow thrusters as well a new application of underwater pain.
Over 500 members of the A&P workforce and supply chain have been working around the clock to support this contract. Crucially, 32 apprentices have had the experience to work on the Bolette.
It is the second time in 12 months that Fred. Olsen has chosen to dock at A&P Falmouth, with fellow ship Balmoral completing a programme of work in May last year, which included steel inserts, ship side valves, tunnel thruster overhaul and underwater paint.
Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth said: “A&P was delighted to welcome Bolette to the facility – and facilitate a visit from Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred Olsen.
“The visit provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase our capabilities – A&P’s location in the south west makes it an ideal facility for cruise ships operating in this area.
“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the South West and helps to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines over the months and years to come.
David McGinley, CEO said; “It is fantastic to welcome Fred. Olsen’s Bolette into A&P Falmouth.
“Projects such as these help us to sustain our workforce, apprenticeship programme and supply chain which drives prosperity and adds real social value to the South West of England.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, welcoming their cruise ships for dry dockings across our Group.”
Peter Deer, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said:
“I would like to thank the team here at A&P Falmouth for taking good care of our flagship Bolette during her time in dry dock.
“Our ships and our team have a longstanding relationship with the community of Falmouth. We know it is a port that our guests love to explore with us, and are looking forward to offering further visits this year.
“In addition, we are really pleased to be further supporting the Falmouth economy by working with the team at A&P to maintain and refurbish our ships, and in particular providing their apprentices with new experience and opportunity.”
