Fincantieri and China State Shipbuilding Corporation have signed a non-binding agreement with Carnival Corporation and CIC Capital Corporation for the construction of the first new cruise ships for the Chinese market. This was communicated in a note by Fincantieri.
The agreement, matured during the eleventh edition of the "China Cruise Shipping and International Cruise Expo" which started in Tianjin, is subject to various conditions, including the completion of the joint venture and financing.
According to the provisions of the agreement, the joint venture currently being set up between Fincantieri and CSSC will act as prime contractor for the construction at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard, site of the CSSC group, of two new cruise ships ordered by the joint venture which will include Carnival Corporation, CSSC and CIC Capital, with the option also for two additional units.
The new ships will be based on the Vista class platform built by Fincantieri for the Carnival group, and their design will be customized according to the specific tastes of Chinese customers for the new Chinese cruise brand of the joint venture between Carnival, CSSC and CIC Capital, which he will also operate the units. The first delivery is scheduled for 2022.
The agreement signed today follows that of last July between Fincantieri and CSSC for the establishment of a joint venture aimed at the development and growth of the Chinese cruise industry.
At the opening today, Fincantieri's share on the Stock Exchange gains 0,9%, to 0,4319 euros, in contrast with the Ftse Mib (-0,9%).
