Three of a kind

from ShipBuilding Industry Issue 3 2022

Yellow & Finch Pages

For Den Breejen Shipyard, shipbuilding is in their DNA. Founded in 1947 and since then based in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Den Breejen Shipyard has become a major player in the inland shipping sector, both for new construction and for repair and reft. With the delivery of these three state-of-the-art TravelMarvel projects, Den Breejen Shipyard shows that specialisation in the river cruise niche market is bearing fruit. By designing with a customer-oriented mindset and focusing on new developments, the company remains at the forefront in this sector. The success is also due to the fexible design of the ships. From a fxed basic platform, Den Breejen Shipyard works with the customer according to their own style and creates unique designs for each shipping company.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEN BREEJEN SHIPYARD.

The company takes responsibility for health, safety, and the environment and sets the bar high to always meet the applicable laws and regulations, including the standards that apply specifcally to the industry. Their ships are equipped with sustainable materials and systems as they invest in safe and solid machines and tools. Employees and subcontractors are qualifed and have their own specifc responsibility when performing their duties. Social involvement is given substance by sponsoring regional and industry related activities.

Three identical cruise ships

Den Breejen Shipyard received an order from PCE in Hamburg for three identical 135m Rhinecruisers. PCE had previously ordered ships to be built by Den Breejen, so they were well aware of their expertise and craftmanship. Australian tour operator APT is adding the TravelMarvel beauties Polaris, Vega, and Capella to its European feet of luxury river cruisers. TravelMarvel Polaris was scheduled to launch in April 2020, operating on APT’s Essential European Gems route, sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam, as her two sister ships TravelMarvel Vega and TravelMarvel Capella were scheduled to launch in April 2021. Due to the Covid situation, the ships could not enter service before mid-2022.

The well-crafted paneling and interiors are from Willemsen Interieurbouw & Scheepsbetimmering, showing utmost luxury and quality. The interior of the three lookalikes is one of the distinctive features of the vessels. Willemsen Interieurbouw & Scheepsbetimmering made the diference in collaboration with Liane van Leeuwen from Studio L. The Den Breejen company ofers a total concept, i.e. a one-stop-shop including design, engineering, technical installations, interior, furniture, and decoration. This is all done in collaboration with the client, architect and top quality sub-contractors. TravelMarvel Capella and her sister ships TM Vega and TM Polaris ofer stylish contemporary design and a host of modern facilities and amenities to make a truly memorable journey.

It is the joint efort of all involved parties that made this project to three successful deliveries.

Johan Kaasjager – CCO at Den Breejen Shipyard.

TravelMarvel Capella.

Technical specifcations

Names

TM Polaris, TM Capella, and TM Vega Type Passenger ships Length overall 135.00m Breadth 11.45m Moulded depth 3.15m Air draught 6.00m Passenger cabins 91 Crew cabins 27 Builder Den Breejen Shipyard Speed 22km/h / 12kn Gross Tonnage 1,700gt

TravelMarvel Capella in depth

The TravelMarvel Capella is operated by the APT Travelowned subsidiary company TravelMarvel, it was built in the Netherlands by Den Breejen Shipyard in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, just like her sister ships, and is currently Switzerlandfagged. The vessel is powered by two Caterpillar Johan Kaasjager, CCO at marine diesel engines Den Breejen Shipyard. (model C32 ACERT) with a total power output of 1,500kW. The propulsion system is based on two Veth Z-drives plus one bow thruster (Veth-Jet). Onboard energy supply is provided by three diesel generator sets (400kVA, model Scania DI13).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

APT-TravelMarvel Capella has three passenger decks with cabins. The stylish and comfortable restaurant is a full-capacity complimentary dining room with bufet stations. The two ship entrances, 24-hour reception, tour ofce, boutique shop, and library are located in the foyer. (the lobby area midship on upper deck).

The Vista lounge (forward on upper deck) is a salon bar with foor-to-ceiling windows, dance foor, electronic piano, media equipment and direct access to the veranda (the bow-located terrace with outdoor seating, also accessed from the sundeck’s garden terrace). The forward Alfresco lounge can be fully opened to connect with the veranda.

McGeary’s Bar is an aft-located traditional Irish pub-style setting to unwind and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a snack, a casual bar meal or simply a drink with newfound friends. Just as the pub is at the heart of Irish culture, McGeary’s bar is set to be at the centre of APT’s new ships.

The sun deck includes a garden terrace, a deck games area, sunbathing areas, a midship-located shaded seating area and a pool deck. The lower deck is the ship’s ftness center.

The 135m long TravelMarvel Capella has a total of 91 staterooms, almost all with a French balcony. All double cabins are equally sized (16m2). The main deck cabins are available for single occupancy booking. The the main deck cabins have two nonopening windows located at water level. The suites are larger sized (24m2).