VIDEO: This ship was cut in half, only to emerge 14.9 metres longer

Following the completion of a complex lengthening and refurbishing project, Silver Spirit is now ready to sail and has embarked on its inaugural voyage.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the Fincantieri Shipyard was witnessing a complex feat in modern engineering. Around 1,000 skilled workers gave 450,000 hours to make sure that every detail is precisely met, ensuring the repair’s punctual completion. The Silver Spirit was cut in half, extended, and refurbished to an exceptional standard.

Among the upgrades were: décor enhancements, the ship’s pool deck has been enlarged, a new eight-restaurant arrangement has increased dining options, and a number of new amenities have upgraded the onboard offering.

“Our beloved Silver Spirit resumes service in a condition that is even more beautiful than before”

“I appreciate the complexity of this feat of engineering,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Silversea’s chairman. “As such, I am extremely proud of the amazing job my team and Fincantieri have done. Our beloved Silver Spirit resumes service in a condition that is even more beautiful than before.”

Silver Spirit has embarked upon its inaugural voyage, which departed amid from Civitavecchia, Rome on 6 May.

The details

A 14.9-metre segment was inserted in the middle to increase the space onboard. From 195.8 metres, it is now 210.7 metres. It weighs a stunning 846,144 kilograms of steel alone, not to mention the assortment of things the ship will carry. The ship’s tonnage will increase from 36,009 tonnes to 39,519 tonnes.

Furthermore, there will be approximately 4,000 metres of fibre-optic cabling throughout the ship to improve audio, visual, and communication facilities. Watch how they did it in the video below:

Silversea is celebrating Silver Spirit’s maiden voyage with a number of onboard enrichments to mark the momentous occasion. Bound for Barcelona, the inaugural itinerary is the first in a varied series of European voyages.

In September, Silver Spirit will cross to North America, where it will remain until November. From then, the ship will welcome guests in the Caribbean.