Large amounts of funds allocated for ship transformation projects
The White Fleet GmbH has announced its plans to renovate two of its historical saloon ships, the MS "Countess Cosel" and the MS "August the Strong", in the Elbe Valley. According to Victor Straubhaar, the managing director of the White Fleet, the renovation is part of the ships' 30th anniversary celebration.
The MS "Countess Cosel" will undergo an extensive redesign, with the majority of the work taking place at the Laubegast shipyard. The four interior spaces will be renewed and given a more modern design, and new furniture, including conference tables, bistro sets, and lounge furniture, will be installed. Externally, the ship will change from its current blue/beige look to a black and white color scheme. The renovation project is expected to take around four months, with work beginning in early January 2023, and the ship is expected to be ready for the fleet parade on May 1, 2024.
The MS "August the Strong" will also undergo renovation in winter 2024/25, but specific details about the renovation were not provided. The ship will retain its historical charm and continue to be used for regular service and events after renovation.
The White Fleet is investing millions in the renovation of these two ships, with each renovation costing approximately 1.7 million euros. The technology on the MS "Countess Cosel" will also be modernized, but the nine other historical ships of the White Fleet will not be redesigned.
Straubhaar expressed confidence about the future of the ships, stating that the renovation is part of the White Fleet's plans to prepare the ships for long-term use. He also mentioned that the effects of the low water levels in the summer of 2023 will not affect the renovation plans.
While search results provided no specific details regarding the renovation plans for the 'Countess Cosel' and 'August the Strong' ships in the Elbe Valley, including schedule, cost, modernization details, or future use, it may be necessary to consult specialized local transport or maritime sources, company announcements, or regional news outlets focused on the Elbe Valley area for more detailed and up-to-date information.
The renovation of the MS "Countess Cosel" and MS "August the Strong" ships is not merely a cosmetic upgrade; it involves significant investments from the White Fleet in the realm of finance, with each renovation costing approximately 1.7 million euros. In the realm of technology, the MS "Countess Cosel" will receive modernization as part of the renovation project.
