South Korea-based STX’s French subsidiary has signed a letter of intent with Royal Caribbean Cruise (RCL) to build three new cruise ships, one of which will be delivered to RCL, while the other three will be delivered to RCL’s subsidiary, Celebrity Cruise.
The value of the deal is not disclosed by either the company; however it is expected to be worth approximately $2.8bn, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Under the deal, STX France will build one Oasis-class vessel for RCL, which is due to be delivered in 2021, and two Edge-class vessels for Celebrity Cruises, which is expected to be delivered between 2021 and 2022.
A successful delivery of the previous Oasis-class vessel the 120,000t Harmony of the Seas, has prompted RCL to place a further order with STX France that is subject to formal documentation and financing conditions.
The Oasis class cruise ships are the world’s largest passenger vessels, encompassing 227,000 unmanned machinery ships (UMS) and featuring 2,750 cabins to accommodate more than 6,000 passengers.
The Edge-class passenger vessels are 300m in length and 38m wide, with 117,000 UMS. They will feature 1,450 passenger cabins to accommodate 2,900 passengers.
The design phase of the first prototype unit of the Edge-class vessel is underway at the STX France yard, and the shipyard is also building another Oasis-class vessel, which is due to delivered in 2018.
STX France’s current orders include the building of two Meraviglia-class cruise ships and four World-class cruise ships for MSC Cruises, in addition to the recent order placed by RCL.
Image: STX France built Oasis-class vessel Harmony of the Seas. Photo: courtesy of kees torn.
