STX Europe expects growing market for retrofits

Vesa Marttinen, VP of Lifecycle Services at STX Europe, expects the market for retrofits and refurbishments to grow significantly over the next few years as a consequence of new rules and the need to modernize current vessels. ”There is a tremendous growth in the future demand of lifecycle services, as the newbuildings of earlier decades will need upgrades. Environmental awareness is also an important driver, as well as cutting operational costs”, Marttinen states.

STX Europe recently signed a contract with Carnival Cruise Lines to modernise the cruise vessel Sensation. A total of 98 passenger cabin balconies will be added and the black and grey water piping will be renewed. The retrofit will be performed at Grand Bahama Shipyard in January and February 2009.
STX Europe has reached an agreement with Neste Shipping on refurbishing the accommodation areas on the product carriers Palva and Stena Poseidon. The vessels will remain in operation while the work is being carried out.