Cruise ships, those massive floating resorts that roam the world’s oceans, may seem like they effortlessly glide through the water. But when it comes to navigating underneath suspension bridges, these behemoths have to take some extreme measures to ensure a safe passage. From ducking under the road deck to employing old-school tricks and modern technology, cruise ship crews have their work cut out for them when it comes to clearing these towering structures.
The Challenge of Navigating Under Suspension Bridges
With 71 percent of the Earth’s surface covered in water, it’s not surprising that cruise ships have plenty of room to roam. However, when it comes to passing under suspension bridges, these floating giants face a unique set of challenges. The world’s largest cruise ships, like those operated by Royal Caribbean, must navigate under these bridges with precision to avoid collisions and ensure a smooth journey.
One of the key factors in successfully sailing under suspension bridges is the height of the ship. Cruise ships are designed with features that allow them to lower their profile, such as extractable funnels that reduce their height by several feet. Crews are also encouraged to fill ballast tanks with seawater to lower the ship’s height above the waterline. These tactics, coupled with sailing as fast as possible to take advantage of a suction effect that pulls vessels downward in narrow bodies of water, help cruise ships safely navigate under suspension bridges.
Case Study: Allure of the Seas
In 2010, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world at the time, had less than three feet of clearance to pass under the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark. Equipped with extractable funnels that reduced its height by 13 feet, Allure managed to navigate under the bridge safely. This feat was documented in a promotional video shared by CruiseGuy, showcasing the skill and precision required to sail under such massive structures.
The success of Allure of the Seas in passing under the Great Belt Bridge highlights the importance of careful planning and execution when it comes to navigating suspension bridges. Ship operators must leverage a combination of old-school tricks and modern technology to ensure a safe passage for their vessels and the bridges they pass under.
The Role of Ship Design and Construction
The ability of cruise ships to navigate under suspension bridges is largely determined by their design and construction. Royal Caribbean, the operator of some of the world’s largest cruise ships, contracts its vessels to be built in shipyards on Finland’s Baltic coast. This allows for the construction of ships that are larger than the Titanic, but also presents the challenge of navigating through the Danish straits to reach the open ocean.
The Great Belt Bridge, one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, spans the Danish strait of the same name and poses a significant obstacle for cruise ships passing through. Crews must carefully maneuver their vessels under the bridge, taking into account factors such as height, speed, and the natural suction effect of the water.
In addition to extractable funnels and ballast tanks, cruise ships are also equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems and communication technology to aid in their passage under suspension bridges. These tools, combined with the skill and expertise of the crew, ensure that cruise ships can navigate safely under these towering structures.
The Dangers of Underbridge Crossings
While navigating under suspension bridges may seem like a routine part of a cruise ship’s journey, the reality is that it can be a dangerous and challenging task. In Baltimore earlier this year, a ship collided with a low-hanging bridge, causing damage to both the vessel and the bridge itself. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in navigating under bridges, especially for ships as large as cruise liners.
Ship operators must take every precaution to ensure the safety of their vessels and the structures they pass under. This includes maintaining a safe margin between the ship and the road deck, as well as employing a combination of tactics to reduce the ship’s height and navigate under the bridge safely.
In conclusion, navigating under suspension bridges is a complex and high-stakes task for cruise ships. From extractable funnels and ballast tanks to modern navigation systems and communication technology, cruise ship crews must leverage a range of tools and techniques to ensure a safe passage under these towering structures. By combining old-school tricks with cutting-edge technology, cruise ships can successfully navigate under suspension bridges and continue their journey across the world’s oceans.