Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched its first cruise ship destined for the Chinese market, and will now begin interior fittings[ds_preview] ahead of the vessel’s delivery scheduled for spring 2017. The newbuild »Majestic Princess« is the third ship of the Royal Princess class built for the shipowner Princess Cruises, a brand of the Carnival Group.
The vessel was launched at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone at a ceremony attended for the shipowner by Keith Taylor, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations of Holland America Group, a Carnival Group’s division controlling different brands including Princess Cruises. Godmother of the ceremony was Graziella Dussi Sagani, mother of the ship’s recent named master, Dino Sagani. The newbuild has 145,000 gt and will be able to accommodate 4,250 passengers on board.
Fincantieri also has signed a number of framework agreements with some primary Iranian companies. These are prior to several contracts worth some hundred million euros and to the potential development of joint activities.
The Italians have reached a cooperation and development agreement with Azim Gostaresh Hormoz Shipbuilding Industry (AGH), a new shipyard located on the Persian Gulf. According to Fincantieri the cooperation will affect the development of detailed engineering, optimization of the construction processes, technical consultancy and assistance in all production phases and personnel training both on site and in Italy. Moreover, Fincantieri, through its subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori, has signed two further agreements concerning the marine propulsion sector and one of rail transports with Iranian companies.
