Turku shipyard starts building fifth Icon-class cruise ship

Meyer Turku has begun assembling the fifth, yet-to-be-named vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, which is intended to become the world’s largest luxury cruise ship, Yle reports.

The first hull block has been placed in the construction dock at the shipyard in Turku, Finland. The block forms part of the engine room, and the ship will gradually take shape as more sections are assembled.

Space became available after the previous Icon-class vessel, Hero of the Seas, was launched and moved to the outfitting dock in September.

“This marks the start of a more hectic phase, and we are getting fully under way. In a year, this will move to the outfitting dock, and in spring 2028 the ship will be ready,” said Samu Jaatinen, the project manager for the vessel.

The ship’s name will be decided later by its customer, Royal Caribbean.

More ships planned through 2030

Meyer Turku and Royal Caribbean have a contract covering work through 2036. After the fifth Icon-class vessel, the shipyard will build a sixth and seventh ship in the series.

Physical production of the sixth vessel will begin at the end of this year, although design and preparations are already well advanced, said Ville Saksi, deputy chief executive of Meyer Turku.

The seventh Icon-class ship is scheduled for delivery in 2030. The ships to be built between 2030 and 2036 have not yet been decided.

“We are negotiating with the customer about the sizes and types of ships that will be built. It is very exciting to eventually start working with the customer on the next series of ships,” Saksi said.

Perno shipyard marks 50 years

Ships have been built at the Perno shipyard for 50 years. Wärtsilä inaugurated the yard on September 22, 1976, and operations moved there entirely from the banks of the Aura River over the following years.

Meyer Turku will mark the anniversary mainly through its regular work. The shipyard’s employees will be offered coffee and pastries in early October.