Fincantieri, HRDD Ready for First Joint Project in China

Fincantieri Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri and Shanghai-based shipyard Huarun Dadong Dockyard (HRDD) have expanded their recently signed collaboration agreement as the two companies gear up for their first joint project. In March 2016, the duo agreed cooperation related to repair and conversions of China-based cruise ships. The two companies have now inked a new agreement which includes the joint technical management of ship repair, dry-docking and conversion work on cruise liners. Under the agreement, Fincantieri will provide its technical knowledge, along with support in project management and logistic procedures, and HRDD will offer its shipyard facilities. Today already operate regularly in China at least 13 cruise ships of western companies that need on-site services that the partnership is able to offer, and this number is intended to grow rapidly, Fincantieri said. The cruise industry is currently developing very rapidly in China and over the next ten years it is expected to enlarge significantly, according to Fincantieri. In September 2016, Fincantieri China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) signed a non-binding agreement with Carnival Corporation and CIC Capital Corporation (CIC Capital) for the construction of the first two cruise ships to be built in China for the Chinese market, with an option for two more ships.