MKM Yachts (Scenic Group’s shipbuilding division) has signed contracts for two new luxury river ships for its parent company.
However, it’s uncertain which Scenic Group brand these ships will be created under. Currently, Emerald Cruises is expected to deliver the brand-new Emerald Astra in May – also overseen by MKM Yachts. Meanwhile, the last European river ship from Scenic Cruises (The Scenic Amber) entered the waters nearly 10 years ago.
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More on The New Ships:
Both of these vessels will be built in Rijeka, Croatia, at the Scenic-owned Maj 3 shipyard. This is the same shipyard where the Scenic Eclipse II was constructed and also where the upcoming ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, the Scenic Ikon, is being developed (Learn more about this ship here).
“This project builds on a strong domestic partnership and further reinforces Croatia’s competitiveness in specialised shipbuilding,” MKM Yachts shared on their socials.
Both luxury river ships are said to be 80 metres in length. Which suggests an expansion of Scenic Group’s presence in Portugal, where the 80-metre Scenic Azure can be found – the 96-guest vessel was launched in April 2016. As the brand’s ‘Space-Ships’ that sail in Central Europe/France are usually much longer, going up to 135 metres in length.
What’s to Come?
Construction on the first of these new river ships will commence in May. They will make a start on the second vessel three months later. Both of these ships will officially enter the waters in 2027, the first of which in the northern spring and ship two later in quarter three.
“The newly contracted project brings continuity of employment, active involvement of local subcontractors and suppliers and additionally strengthens the position of Rijeka as a relevant and recognisable shipbuilding centre for specialised vessels,” said Saša Čokljat, Director of MKM Yachts.
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