T Mariotti, a leading Italian luxury cruise shipbuilding company, and Damen Shipyards Group have announced the creation of a new partnership to build cruise vessels.

T Mariotti, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, has a long-standing reputation within the cruise industry.

Damen, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017, operates in different sectors across the maritime industry and has recently announced its intention to move into the cruise market.

The partnership between the two companies is a complementary fusion of expertise and facilities that will focus on the construction of cruise vessels, said a statement from the company.

This partnership will operate under a new common brand, Mariotti Damen Cruise, it said.

As the two companies made their announcement, ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn made public the signature of a letter of intent for two ultra-luxury expedition vessels with the newly-formed partnership, it added.

Marco Ghiglione, managing director, T Mariotti, said: “We are very pleased to work together with Damen on the construction of new build cruise vessels as both the companies share a common vision of the future of the cruise industry.”

“This long-term partnership will offer our current and prospective clients access to a comprehensive suite of shipbuilding services and capabilities in terms of high quality, sustainable vessels demanded by the cruise industry of tomorrow,” he added.

Andrea Trevisan, senior vice president sales and marketing cruise, Damen, said: “We are very honoured by this collaboration. The combination of T. Mariotti luxury cruise shipbuilding’s experience of long standing with the high-class facilities of our company represents a unique synergy in the cruise industry.”

“Our partnership brings together two proud family businesses, both of which enjoy a reputation for shipbuilding excellence,” he added. – TradeArabia News service