Northern Ireland-based outfitting company, MJM Marine has secured $150 mill of new work in the marine industry for 2023/24.
This increase in business involving several global clients, including the world’s largest cruise companies, will see the Newry-headquartered business create more than 100 new jobs.
The announcement was made on 8th September on board Celebrity Cruises’ ‘Celebrity Apex’, which was berthed in Belfast. Celebrity is a brand in the Royal Caribbean Group, and one of MJM Marine’s trade partners.
Reaching across seven of the world’s leading brands, refurbishment work will take place place worldwide, including Singapore, across Europe, and The Bahamas.
Gary Annett, MJM Marine CEO (pictured), said, “We are delighted to be here on ‘Celebrity Apex’ with a number of our team to make this announcement. We have a really exciting growth trajectory and new opportunities right across the business.
“The new roles are predominantly based at our headquarters in Newry and range from operations and project management to commercial and other business support roles. This represents a multi-million-pound GVA (Gross Value Add) to the local economy in salary contribution and significantly more in value to the local and national supply chain.
“There are more than 500 cruise ships active at the moment with regular refit and upgrade schedules. We have visibility of the future requirements, so we are confident of a buoyant long term project pipeline,” he said.
Naoimh McConville, Group Managing Director, Rathbane Group (MJM Marine’s parent company), added, “We are thrilled to announce the next phase of growth for MJM Marine. We are committed to strengthening our operations by investing for the future to make a positive impact for our people and planet.
“To achieve this, we are launching an extensive recruitment drive aimed at attracting top talent, to complement our dynamic team. Our people are the force behind driving innovation and delivering industry firsts, which is the platform for our strong culture and performance.
“We take pride in our record for securing repeat business and the development of collaborative client relationships, with brands who entrust us time and again with their refit work,” she said.
When the new positions are filled MJM Marine will employ about 300 people.
One company recently signed an agreement with MJM and DE Wave is Cruise Saudi newcomer, AROYA Cruises.
Lars Clasen, Cruise Saudi CEO, said: “The creation of a premium cruise experience starts from the design phase and by working with two of the cruise sector’s most well-regarded outfitters, we’re demonstrating our commitment to making AROYA Cruises an exceptional product.
“We look forward to seeing the knowledge, passion and creativity that MJM Marine and DE Wave bring to the first AROYA Cruises ship,” he said.
Both companies will be involved with the refurbishment of the former ‘World Dream’, which will be introduced into service for the Arab market sometime next year after conversion, which is due to take place in Germany.
MJM will upgrade existing cabins and suites, as well as oversee the creation of multiple culinary, retail and relaxation venues, steelwork modifications, upgrades to onboard electrical and mechanical services, and the manufacture and installation of bespoke furniture, finishes, ceiling features and seating.
DE Wave will outfit AROYA Cruises’ upper deck areas, including new super suites, public areas, and catering areas.
Together, the outfitters will refurbish 98% of the guest-facing venues.
