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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has completed delivery of the AIDAprima, the first of two large cruise ships being built for AIDA Cruises at MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Japan.

A ceremony to mark the occasion was attended by Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group, and Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, representing the new owner, and Shunichi Miyanaga, President and CEO, and Yoichi Kujirai, Senior Executive Vice President and President/CEO of Commercial Aviation & Transportation Systems, representing MHI. The parties signed the formal delivery documents, and the national flag at the ship's stern was changed from Japan's Hinomaru to the Tricolore of Italy.

After the ceremony, the AIDAprima set sail from the Nagasaki Shipyard heading to Hamburg, Germany. The AIDAprima is scheduled to commence its first regular cruise from Hamburg on April 30, including port stops in Rotterdam (Netherlands), Zeebrugge (Belgium), Le Havre (France) and Southampton (United Kingdom). Its official public presentation in Europe will take place at a christening ceremony to be held on May 7 as part of the 827th Hamburg Port Anniversary celebrations taking place between May 5 and May 8.

Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, speaking at the AIDAprima's delivery ceremony, stated: "20 years ago, AIDA launched its concept of modern cruising. With our new flagship and the three newbuilds to follow, the company will continue to provide important growth impulses for the German cruise market. We are once again charting new territory by being the first German cruise line to offer cruises starting from Germany the whole year round. I am convinced that we will reach new guest groups with our unique variety of offerings aboard AIDAprima."

Michael Thamm, CEO Costa Group, said: "AIDAprima is the first ship of an entirely new AIDA product family. With creativity and great innovativeness, our team has managed to implement our high standards in terms of product quality and environmental friendliness in an exemplary and impressive way. We are extremely pleased with the successful design of the ship, and look forward to welcoming guests aboard her, who are going to be equally impressed."

Shunichi Miyanaga, MHI President and CEO, commented: "We are proud to deliver AIDAprima, the first of a new generation of energy-efficient cruise ships superbly equipped to provide a fantastic cruising experience. Given the cutting-edge nature of the ship, construction was challenging but ultimately we built a cruise ship of the very highest quality, offering superior comfort and entertainment features for passengers. It provided us with many key learnings to enable a smoother construction process for future vessels - starting with AIDAprima's sister ship."

The AIDAprima is the world's first cruise ship equipped with the Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System (MALS), MHI's proprietary technology that is designed to enhance fuel efficiency.

Other cutting-edge technologies that are designed to save energy, increase automation and reduce manpower needs include a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel supply system, a pod propulsion system, and a gas emissions treatment system.