Singapore-based shipbuilder Sembcorp Marine cemented its position as Asia’s top cruise ship repair and upgrade solutions provider in 2018 with the successful completion of repairs on the Costa Fortuna – the Group’s 10th and final cruise ship project this year.
Operated by Costa Crociere, the 1,358-cabin vessel sailed away from Sembcorp Marine’s Admiralty Yard yesterday, joining a bevy of luxury liners that underwent repairs and upgrades at Sembcorp Marine facilities in the past 12 months.
These included six vessels from leading cruise brands and long-term partners Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and one from new customer Norwegian Cruise Line.
Already, 2019 is shaping up into a busy year for Sembcorp Marine’s cruise ship repair and upgrade business, thus far having confirmed 13 jobs from companies such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Star Cruises and Star Clippers Monaco. The Group will also manage the turnkey upgrade of the Pacific Jewel, Zen Cruises’ first upmarket cruise liner in India.
All these projects will take place at Sembcorp Marine’s Tuas Boulevard and Admiralty yards, both equipped with large and deep-drafted dry docks ideal for mega-size cruise vessels.
“Sembcorp Marine greatly appreciates our partners and customers for choosing us once again to execute their important cruise vessel repair and upgrading projects,” said Head of Repairs & Upgrades Alvin Gan. “We are very pleased to strengthen our track record in this niche market with 10 more successful projects, and at the same time contribute to Singapore’s progress as a leading cruise hub by providing reliable services to the cruise liners calling here.”
“Given the continued strong growth of cruise tourism, especially in Asia, Sembcorp Marine is well positioned to capitalise on the boom with our proven capabilities and facilities,” Mr Gan said.
Sembcorp Marine has delivered a total of 102 cruise ship refit and upgrade projects over the past decade, averaging about 10 vessels a year. This places the Group consistently among the world’s most active solutions providers in the business.
Compared to the 10 projects this year, Sembcorp Marine completed 16 cruise ship repairs and upgrades in 2017 and nine in 2016.