MacGregor delivers unique observation pod giving cruise passengers a bird's eye view of ship at sea
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has supplied Royal Caribbean International's first Quantum Class cruise ship with a crane and observation gondola called the North Star. It will lift guests 91m above sea level to give them panoramic views of the ship, sea and ports of call, the company said in its press release.
North Star's 7.1-tonne gondola can accommodate 14 guests and one crew member. A stabilising system ensures that it remains level with respect to the vessel's deck, and will also damp gondola movements, providing a comfortable ride. The crane's slewing system allows the gondola to swing out over the sides of the ship at sea.
The system is designed for 100 percent redundancy with two separate power units, each large enough to drive the crane in reduced speed mode; it will also be provided with a diesel-driven emergency power pack. Additional safety features include automatic cut outs and safety valve overload protection on all crane motions.
The North Star viewing platform will be controlled using a separate PLC safety system in addition to a MacGregor CC3000 crane control system.
Quantum of the Seas can carry up to 4,905 passengers, and is being followed into service by two more ships in the Quantum series. Anthem of the Seas will be launched in April and Ovation of the Seas in 2016.
