Carnival Mardi Gras Drydock Updates and Ship Improvements
Carnival’s Mardi Gras Completes Complex LNG Drydock in France
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Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras recently finished a major drydock project in Marseille, France. The ship uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) for fuel, which made this maintenance visit more complex than typical drydocks.
RINA, the ship’s classification society, helped manage the entire process. They worked closely with Carnival and the shipyard to handle the special requirements of LNG systems.
LNG Ships Need Special Care
“RINA has been involved in LNG cruise propulsion since the very beginning—from the first designs and newbuilds to bunkering operations and drydocks,” said Michele Landro. He serves as RINA’s director of passenger ships segment for the Americas.
RINA has deep experience with LNG cruise ships. They also worked on AIDAnova, which was the first Excel-class ship to use LNG fuel.
“Mardi Gras represents the natural evolution of that journey: managing LNG systems not as a novelty, but as a mature technology requiring deep lifecycle expertise,” Landro explained.
Planning Started a Year Early
The drydock required careful planning that started about 12 months before the ship arrived. RINA conducted a full shipyard assessment to check several important factors.
They evaluated the yard’s LNG readiness and safety procedures. They also reviewed the infrastructure and operational systems needed for the work.
LNG fuel systems are more complicated than traditional marine fuels. The team needed detailed coordination for inspections and system changes. They also had to complete safety reviews before the ship could return to service.
Teamwork Made It Happen
“LNG drydocks require a different level of preparation compared to conventional fuel systems,” said Martina Gallus. She is the SVP of technical operations at Carnival Cruise Line.
“Early technical alignment, training, and shipyard readiness are essential. RINA’s long-standing involvement with Mardi Gras and their deep LNG expertise supported a structured and well-prepared approach, helping us manage complexity while maintaining safety and operational reliability,” Gallus added.
The early preparation helped reduce risks during the drydock. It ensured the shipyard could safely handle all LNG-related work.
What This Means for Cruise Travelers
Mardi Gras uses cleaner LNG fuel instead of traditional diesel. This technology helps reduce emissions and environmental impact.
However, it requires specialized maintenance and expertise. These complex drydocks ensure your ship stays safe and reliable for future cruises.
The successful completion of this project shows how cruise lines are adapting to newer, greener technology. It’s part of the industry’s ongoing efforts to become more environmentally friendly.
