"Iona": First Planned Drydocking of the LNG Cruise Ship

The original drydocking was already scheduled for March 2025 but had to be postponed due to a lack of shipyard capacity. The current October drydocking represents the last possible date to comply with regulations. Classification societies require that passenger ships undergo inspection at least twice within a five-year period, with a maximum interval of 36 months between visits. Without this maintenance, continued operation would not be permitted.

For these demanding works, P&O Cruises has chosen the Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam (DSR) shipyard in the Netherlands. The choice of location is strategic. The "Iona" uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which requires special expertise for maintenance. DSR specializes in these complex vessels. In addition, the proximity to the home port of Southampton minimizes transit costs.

In the drydock, the ship is inspected from the waterline to the keel. The hull is cleaned, receives a new antifouling coating, and all sea valves are checked. The state-of-the-art Azipod propulsion systems, which move the ship, also receive comprehensive maintenance. Because the "Iona" sailed longer without this renewal due to the postponement, marine growth on the hull increased, which in turn raised fuel consumption and operating costs.

The shipyard stay also meant that P&O Cruises had to cancel two voyages. Affected guests were compensated with a full refund and an additional onboard credit. After maintenance, the "Iona" will set sail again on October 23, 2025, for a short test cruise. This "shakedown cruise" serves to test all serviced systems under real conditions. Only then will the ship begin its winter season and resume its regular routes, including long-term voyages to the Caribbean.