MSC denies DSME link

MSC Cruises has denied rumours that it is actively helping South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) break into the cruise ship construction business. This follows reports in the Italian press that MCS is looking at options to counter an emerging alliance between Aker Yards and Fincantieri which would create a monopolistic situation although under current EU regulations such a move would not be allowed.

It is no secret, however, that the big three Korean shipbuilders, Hyundai, Daewoo and Samsung, are keen to break into the cruise ship market. They have set up cruise divisions and it is just a matter of time before they develop the technology and skills to build complex cruise ships even though it may not be for a few more years yet.

Globalisation is happening in every industry in response to economics and labour costs and it is certain that Asian shipyards will eventually succeed and move into the cruise shipbuilding sector. Perhaps the European cruiseship yards should look into the possibility of joining forces with some of the larger Asian shipyards on the basis that if you can?t beat them, join them.