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Newry-headquartered MJM Marine has secured a new contract with Azamara Cruises, continuing a relationship between the two organisations that stretches back to a major project back in 2018.
Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie
The deal, which was finalised in Newry and formally announced at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, will see MJM Marine carry out refit work on board the Azamara Quest cruise ship as part of 'Azamara Forward', the cruise line's largest fleetwide renovation to date.
The work will take place in Greece and covers a wide range of enhancements across the ship, including refreshed staterooms, redesigned public spaces, new dining concepts and reimagined social venues. Exclusively debuting on board the Azamara Quest is an entirely new Penthouse Deck, to be delivered by MJM Marine, which will feature 12 new suites.
The two organisations first worked together when MJM Marine carried out the refit of Azamara Pursuit in Belfast in 2018, at the time one of the largest and most complex cruise ship refits undertaken in the city. That project helped establish Belfast's standing as a centre for high-value marine work and laid the groundwork for the partnership that has followed.
Azamara Cruises, now under new ownership, operates a fleet of four ships and has continued to invest in its vessels. The decision to return to MJM Marine is seen as a reflection of the trust built between both organisations during that earlier work.
Brabham, Vice President, Design & Revitalisation, Azamara Cruises, Naoimh
McConville, Joint Managing Director, The Rathbane Group, Dondra Ritzenthaler,
CEO, Azamara Cruises and Gary Annett, CEO, MJM Marine. MJM Marine is a
Rathbane Group company.
Gary Annett, CEO of MJM Marine, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Azamara Cruises on this significant Azamara Forward programme for 'Quest'. Our previous work together in Belfast on the 'Pursuit' established a strong foundation, upon which to build. This latest investment with MJM is a clear reflection of the trust built between both teams. It also allows us to continue to recruit and offer further employment opportunities in this growing sector. We look forward to delivering a successful outcome and helping bring Azamara Forward to life."
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises, added: "This partnership with MJM Marine reflects our commitment to thoughtfully evolving the Azamara Cruises experience while delivering the highest-quality enhancements for our guests. Their deep understanding of our brand and our standards made them the natural choice to support the Azamara Forward programme."
The contract will further strengthen MJM Marine's position in the global cruise sector and support its continued growth across international shipyard locations.
Anyone interested in career opportunities linked to this or other international projects by MJM can visit mjmmarine.com.
