She’s just too big.
That seems to the simple truth which means shipping channels would need to be dredged if Bermuda was to host Royal Caribbean’s new mega-liner Quantum of the Seas in 2015.
Simulation tests conducted last month in the US revealed the existing North and South Channels were not big enough to safely accommodate the vessel, especially in high winds.
Therefore if the ship is to be brought to Bermuda in less than two years dredging will need to begin soon.
A Government spokesman told the Bermuda Sun: “The principle dimensions of the vessel, in particular, its predicted draft at 8.5M, was an early indication and evidence that modifications to either channel would be required to ensure safe transit of the vessel.
