Concept and Construction
Norwegian Epic is powered by a diesel-electric plant, with the six long-stroke MaK engines providing a total of 79.8 MW for ship propulsion and on-board electricity supply. Electrical power then drives high-torque density induction motors which turn two conventional (non-azimuthing) propellers.
In September 2008 a dispute over the price of the first F3 vessel (at the time approximately 25% complete) arose between Norwegian Cruise Line and STX France. Reportedly the sale of 50% of NCL to Apollo Management in August 2007 resulted in Apollo making several changes to the designs, resulting in a higher cost for the first vessel. It was reported that the construction of the second ship was unaffected by the dispute, but ultimately it was announced that the first ship will be completed and the construction of the second ship will be canceled.
The sea trials of Norwegian Epic occurred over four days beginning on February 10, 2010. During these trials 300 technicians and engineers from Aker Yards France, along with 30 Norwegian Cruise Line representatives, checked more than 60 aspects of the ship's performance by running trials of the ship's speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion in the Atlantic Ocean.
In early May 2010, a fire broke out in a provisioning area aft on Deck 4; firefighters were able to contain the fire before it spread, with the only damage to an area of cabling. The conditions were found to be suspicious (there was no welding or other 'hot' work in the area, and the extinguishing system was non-operational), and the event was investigated by Saint-Nazaire police as an arson attack. Despite the damage, Norwegian Epic was delivered on time.
A second round of sea trials was conducted on June 11, 2010, which finalized all the aspects of the ship.
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