Northern Ireland-based Interior outfitters, MJM Group is to undertake its first drydocking project in China.
In a seven-figure deal, the company will carry out work in 15 separate areas across five decks of Star Cruises’ ‘Star Pisces’, which will include the transformation of casinos, restaurants and retail areas.
Speaking ahead of the work, MJM Group CEO, Gary Annett (pictured), commented: “The cruise industry within China has been growing substantially with forecasts predicting that some 7- 10 mill passengers will cruise from China by 2030. As a result, cruise companies are commissioning new ships and refurbishing existing liners for their Chinese customers, which is where the opportunities for MJM Group lie.
“We have been working hard to break into the Chinese market and are delighted to announce our first drydock contract in China which is particularly opportune, given that the UK-China Regional Leaders Summit was held in Belfast at the weekend. Northern Ireland has had a long maritime industry and MJM Group is proud to represent our industry within the Chinese market place,” he said.
‘Star Pisces’ will drydock in Shenzhen for a 19-day refit, which will commence on 8th January, 2018.
“This project is working to a very tight timeframe with just 14 weeks from the awarding of the contract to handover,” explained Shauna O’Hare, MJM’s Contracts Director. “We have already manufactured various components in our factory in Newry, which have been dispatched in containers to join the vessel for the refit to be completed by a team of over 85 MJM Group skilled workers.”
MJM Group has worked with some of the largest cruise companies in the world, including Genting Hong Kong, which owns Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises.
“MJM Group has recently completed a refit on board ‘Crystal Symphony’ on behalf of Crystal Cruises, which has proven very successful,” Annett added. “Our drydock contract in China with Star Cruises, which is the leading cruise line in Asia/Pacific, marks a significant and very exciting milestone in the MJM Group story.
“We are the world leader in marine interior fit-outs throughout the rest of the world and our aim is to expand this reputation to include Asia. As an emerging market for the cruise industry, China holds untold potential which MJM Group wants to explore. ’Star Pisces’ represents the start of a new chapter in the ongoing success of MJM Group,” he concluded.
