Tolkamer, 19/06/2019 – Shipyard De Hoop is currently in the process of finalising / outfitting the latest day-passenger / event vessel for the Rotterdam based shipping company, Spido. On the 28th of March 2019 the hull of yard number 491 was launched at the Lobith facilities of Shipyard De Hoop. This day-passenger, or rather event vessel, is specifically designed and built for more upmarket events, stand-alone or in collaboration with business or political delegations, activities such as company presentations, theatre shows or music and sport events in the Rotterdam area. Alternatively, the vessel is also still very suitable for the touristic sightseeing tours with in this same area. Also the growing interest in the Maasvlakte developments has been one of the drivers behind this project. Spido signed the contract for this vessel with Shipyard De Hoop on the 18th of April 2018 and the keel of the first section was laid on the 16th of October that same year. Since 1995, De Hoop has already built a number of high profile and innovative ships for Spido, including the Marco Polo (1995), Vasco da Gama (1998), and the Abel Tasman (2000). After a period of formulating objectives and wishes, exploring the market, conducting exploratory meetings, studying proposals or artist impressions of potential builders, and assessing previous experiences, Spido again awarded Shipyard De Hoop the assignment for building their new flagship. To build up the tension, Spido will not yet reveal the date for the name giving ceremony, nor the name of the vessel itself – an additional announcement will follow soon. This afternoon, Spido will become the new owner of this new vessel.