Rodriquez Cantieri Navali Spa News

Italian prowess in the field of passenger vessel design, outfitting and technology is near legendary status in the international marine community. Even as the grip on these high-value, niche vessels loosens — largely due to cost-cutting competition from the Far East — a quick peak a the world orderbook and recent deliveries of cruise ships quickly tells who currently reigns supreme in the cruise shipping market. Evidence of Italian influence in the passenger vessel segment is undeniable, and over the years the country's shipbuilders have catered to some of the world's most discerning and quality demanding customers, such as U.S.-based Disney Cruise Line.

Rodriquez Cantieri Navali SpA and GE Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Electric Group (GE), have entered into a partnership. Following several months of negotiations GE Capital underwrote an increase in the share capital of Rodriquez. GE Capital's shareholding in the Shipyard is in the range of 26 to 40 percent. The agreement was announced by Gianni Morace, managing director of Rodriquez, during the shareholder's meeting in Messina, Italy - whose objective is to form an IPO in the near future. In addition to GE Capital, the other principal shareholders in Rodriquez are M.R.S. Sviluppo Srl, Ustica Lines SpA and Comecam Srl - all of who participated in a management buyout of the yard in 1997.

Currently under construction at Rodriquez Cantieri Navali SpA's Pietra Ligure shipyard is a TMV 115 high-speed passenger and vehicle ferry for the Spanish ferry operator Balearia Eurolines Maritimes. The contract for this vessel was signed in January 2000 and delivery is expected in May 2001. Though very similar in size and capacity to the previous TMV 114 delivered to Spanish operator Armas Ocean Jet in April of this year, there are notable differences. The reasons for these differences between the two vessels are due to owner preferences, including the choice of hull material. The additional truck lane meters of the TMV 115 have been obtained by using hoistable central and outboard car decks to allow for these taller vehicles.

Rodriquez Cantieri Navali SpA of Italy and Arab Bridge Maritime Company of Jordan have signed a contract for a TMV 84 high-speed monohull to operate on their route from Aqaba, Jordan to Nuweiba, Egypt. The ship is scheduled to be delivered in less than a year from now. This route is currently served by a series of older passenger ferries as well as a 1992 built 131-ft. Flying Cat. For Arab Bridge Maritime Company, this will be the first new building in the history of the company and will also be the first new passenger ferry ever in Jordan with a Jordanian flag. For Rodriquez, this contract continues the diversification efforts of the company as it is the first contract with a Middle Eastern company in their history and further solidifies Rodriquez as a leading fast ferry builder.

On December 4, Rodriquez Cantieri Navali Spa delivered a new 131.2 x 34.4 ft. (40 x 10.5 m) catamaran to Lauro Shipping Company. The ceremony took place in the port of Fiumicino, Italy, the departure point for Lauro’s new high speed route to the Ponza island with its new catamaran, Maria Celeste Lauro. The vessel will be followed next year with two more catamarans that are under construction at Rodriquez. Maria Celeste Lauro is CityCat 40 catamaran, yard number 341. The 320-passenger high speed vessel achieved 35 knots during sea trials, powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3516B diesel engines.

Rodriquez Cantieri Navali SpA won an approximate $57 million contract to build seven 147.6 ft. (45 m) double-ended Catamarans (type HC 18) and three 92 ft. (28 m) Catamarans (type MC 25) from Barcas S.A. in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The contract was signed on May 4, and construction of the boats will begin in June 2001, with delivery of the first vessels scheduled for approximately 12 months later. These vessels, designed and engineered by Rodriquez, are an extension of the CityCat range of catamarans and will serve the city of Rio de Janeiro and its suburbs. The 45-m HC 18, built entirely out of aluminium, will connect downtown Rio with the city of Niteroi, a Route of only three nautical miles but carrying approximately 22 million passengers per year.