Somec Group, listed on the Euronext Milan stock exchange/specializing in the rollout of complex turnkey construction projects in the civil and naval engineering sectors, reported new orders worth EUR 20.5 million from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft.
The “Engineered systems for naval architecture and building facades” and “Professional kitchen systems and products” divisions, respectively the domains of Somec S.p.A. and Oxin S.r.l., signed a contract for the building of parts of the Asuka III ship at the Papenburg shipyard in Germany plus an option for another ship, worth a total of EUR 20.5 million.
Asuka III is expected to be a top-of-the-range cruise liner of NYK (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki) Cruises, Japan’s leading cruise ship operator. The 50,000 GT ship will have a length of 228 m (748 ft) and a beam of 29 m (95 ft). It will be able to accommodate up to 744 guests in 385 cabins along with 470 crew.
Asuka 3's delivery is scheduled for April 2025. There is an option for a further newbuild, to be delivered in 2026.
Somec Group is due to handling the custom design, production, and installation of prefabricated modules for the balconies/sliding doors and windows of guest cabins.
Oxin was entrusted with the first order commissioned by Meyer Werft concerning the custom design, supply, and installation of the catering areas, dotted over the ship’s 11 decks, covering a total space of ~1500 m2 (16146 ft2).
Oscar Marchetto, President of Somec, said the orders were "proof of the Group’s ability to create synergies among its various divisions, and of the areas of excellence that are able to attract clients and partners for increasingly complex projects."
"Notwithstanding current criticalities, the shipbuilding sector continues to bubble over. Our Group has shown itself to be ready to grasp market opportunities, wherever they may be around the world, thanks to tried and trusted partnerships with shipbuilders and to an international presence”.
With the newly commissioned works, the order book of the Group reached, year to date, a value of ~EUR 251 million.
In February 2019, 50% of NYK's Asuka Cruise company was sold to the Japanese company Anchor Ship Partners (2010-founded, specializing in ship management and investments). Also announced were plans for extensive drydock refurbishment of NYK's Asuka 2 and the building of a new liner. In 2015, NYK Group sold the premium brand Crystal Cruises to GHK (Genting Hong Kong).