Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by PALFINGER
PALFINGER MARINE takes special pride in the fact that some of the most renowned cruise lines have complete trust in us to pull off incredibly challenging and exciting landmark projects. Our team in Qingdao, China, is currently – as part of a bigger order – producing six CTL57 tender boats, six MPC49 lifeboats, and two Stinger 630G fast rescue boats. We met up with Lv “Summer” Wenhui, the managing director responsible for the build, to see how things are going.
Nothing is more exciting for PALFINGER MARINE than securing a landmark order, one of the largest ever, from one of the most renowned cruise lines. In this case, the order involves twelve PD55 hydraulic pivoting davits and two NPDS 3500H A-frame davits for two Stinger 630G fast rescue boats, six CTL57 tender boats, and six MPC49 lifeboats. The latter three order positions were assigned to our factory in Qingdao, affording the local team to once again test their boat production capabilities on the CTL57, a model which was specially designed for this project.
The PALFINGER MARINE production site in Qingdao, China, is currently – as part of a bigger order – producing boats for one of the world's most renowned cruise lines.
THE CTL57 TENDER BOAT – THE BEST OF ITS KIND
What makes the CTL57 tender boat so special is that it was designed in collaboration with the end customer, taking 100% of their requirements into account to create one of the most high-end tender boats currently available. Summer explains: “This is the first time that we are dealing with a tender boat that features elements such as wallpaper, vinyl floors, TVs, oak decorations, padded folding chairs, and LED lights. The Qingdao team is regularly confronted with new solutions, but this boat is different.” Naturally, it helps that our Chinese boat production facility is known for its logic-based production processes. “We approached this fresh challenge in the same way we would every other order, but I must say that it makes us particularly proud to know that these boats will grace high-end cruise ships around the globe,” she adds.
CONFIDENCE FUELLED BY FAMILY SUPPORT
Our Qingdao team never doubted their ability to handle the CTL57 order, but Summer is keen to point out that support within PALFINGER MARINE was essential. “We always knew we could do it, but it is important to remember that completing this major order is a ‘family effort’ involving teams in Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany. It was key to have all the necessary information at hand at the right time,” she smiles.
EQUALLY IMPRESSIVE LIFEBOATS
With all the buzz around the CTL57, we are equally proud of our MPC49 lifeboat series. “The MPC49 is an exciting product, not least because it’s the largest lifeboat currently on the market. It has two floors and a maximum capacity of 450 people, which is quite something,” Summer explains. And let’s not forget that the factory is also working hard on two Stinger 630 fast rescue boats.
It just shows the range of capabilities within the Qingdao production team. Give us a challenge, and we will meet it.
Lv “Summer” Wenhui, Managing Director for the PALFINGER MARINE production site in Qingdao
OUR QINGDAO BOAT PRODUCTION – ON TIME, ALL THE TIME
Given the scope of the order, it is only natural to ask about timing. “We are well within the set timeframe and will deliver all boats on time in March 2025. There’s no need to worry on that front,” Summer reveals. She adds: “The CTL57 production process is about 35% complete. We are currently working on the first two tender boats, with one already undergoing basic testing at sea and performing very well. The MPC49 order, on the other hand, is roughly 15% complete. Here we are currently busy with lamination work on the first four lifeboats. The Stinger 630 rescue boats are furthest advanced and already in the assembly stage.” The Qingdao team has everything under control. “We are so proud of what we have achieved so far,” Summer concludes.
If you want to learn more, check out one of our latest blog stories about our market footprint in Asia-Pacific. Make sure you keep tabs on our blog page for more insights into landmark marine solutions orders secured by PALFINGER MARINE. We promise to provide unrivalled content from our production and service teams around the globe.