The Funchal was literally stranded in Gothenburg until yesterday following two weeks of fire safety improvements including crew training. With much stricter inspection of fire regulations put into force in all the Scandinavian countries following the Scandinavian Star disaster in April, cruise ships calling in Scandinavian ports can now expect thorough inspections of technical equipment as well as operational systems.

According to Lars Tygesen of the National Maritime Administration of Sweden, the Funchal required technical improvements as well as training of the crew which underwent a fire fighting course in Gothenburg.

Gothenburg’s Port Director, Goran Wennergren, said that the new inspection methods were put into effect just the day before the Funchal arrived. He also said that the Black Prince of Fred Olsen was held back for similar reasons.

The Funchal was under charter to Swedish Fritidskryss, a Stockholm-based company.