
The residential cruise ship The World has entered dry dock at Navantia Shipyard in Cádiz, Spain, for a comprehensive six-week refurbishment.
The $30+ million overhaul focuses on significant environmental upgrades. A High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) system will be installed, enabling the ship to plug into shore-based electricity while docked, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the bulb on the ship's bow will be replaced as part of a decarbonization initiative. Originally optimized for a speed of 19 knots, the new design will reduce hull drag by up to 10%, significantly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. A silicone-based antifouling coating will also be applied to the hull to minimize drag and biofouling.
Interior enhancements are also underway. Approximately 50 private residences will receive updates, including new flooring, cabinetry, and modern appliances. Public areas such as the Pool Bar & Grill and the putting green will be refurbished, and new amenities, including a golf simulator and a cold plunge pool, will be added to enhance the onboard experience for residents.
Among the most significant upgrades is the installation of the high-voltage grounding (HVSC) or cold ironing system, designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during port stays, complying with regulatory requirements in ports in California, Europe, and other regions where this technology is available.
The ship's dry dock maintenance will also ensure the vessel remains in optimal condition. Its elevator systems will undergo a comprehensive upgrade, and approximately 50 private residences will be renovated, with selected units receiving replacement flooring, closets, cabinetry in living rooms and bedrooms, as well as new furniture and wallpaper. Additionally, The World will incorporate a new 10-seater Zodiac boat.