France orders two of the best from Italy

The Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and the French owner Compagnie des Iles du Ponant, part of the CMA CGM Group, have signed a preliminary agreement to build two super luxury cruise ships. By adding this new brand to its customer portfolio, Fincantieri has further consolidated its presence in the promising business segment of small and medium luxury ships. The two ships will be similar in size to mega yachts, a ship-type Fincantieri has recently started developing and which is now achieving its first commercial success.

The 10,500 gt ships, which will fly the French flag, will be approximately 140 metres long and 16 metres wide. Passengers will be accommodated in 134 cabins and suites, all with external views, and 75% of which with a private balcony. Delivery is due in the first six months of 2010.

By drawing on cutting edge technologies the ships will be built with due regard to environmental concerns, an important issue since their reduced scale will enable them to reach harbours and destinations inaccessible to larger vessels. The interior furnishings of these luxury ships will be designed on ?a human scale?, with great attention to detail.

The Marseille-based Compagnie des Iles du Ponant, founded in 1988, is owned by the French ship owning group CMA-CGM and has a fleet of three ships which cater for the super luxury market.