The one that MSC Cruises has entrusted to Fincantieri is a super order: a good 2,1 billion euros for the construction of two cruise ships, plus an additional unit as an option. "Seaside", the new prototype boat for tourism, will be the largest ship ever built by Fincantieri. The agreement was signed this morning by the CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono, together with the executive chairman and CEO of MSC Cruises, respectively Pierfrancesco Vago and Gianni Onorato and dal.
The two new ships envisage an investment of 700 million euros each and will be financed with the insurance-financial support of Sace. The delivery to the owner Gianluigi Aponte will take place in two different moments: the first in November 2017, the second in May 2018.
“Since the first contacts with Fincantieri we have asked to design and build two completely new ships, I would say revolutionary in their structure, compared to what is already on the market today – underlined Vago -. Seaside is a futuristic prototype in terms of structure, agility and shapes. Together with Fincantieri we are preparing for a new and exciting challenge for the construction of ships that represent a real renewal of the world cruise market".
323 meters long, 41 wide and 70 high, the new boats will have a gross tonnage of 154.000 tons, will be able to accommodate almost 5.200 passengers plus 1.413 crew members and will be equipped with 2.070 cabins for guests, 759 for crew and 43.500 square meters of public areas.
On the financial side, on the other hand, the new super-order obtained does not change Fincantieri's plans, determined to land as soon as possible in Piazza Affari: “The target remains the same – confirmed Bono -. We are working so that we can go on the market as soon as possible. Everyone prepares to go to market when they are receptive. We are confident that the market is receptive because there is so much liquidity around. I think the recent turmoil is just the effect of these last few days of national and European electoral campaigns”.
Bono said he agreed with the idea of distributing a certain number of shares to employees, as will happen in the privatizations of Poste and Enav: "It's a good way to retain employees, and could also represent the beginning of industrial relations more modern".
