Sembawang wins long-term Carnival Corp. contractSembawang wins long-term Carnival Corp. contract

Sembawang, a division of publicly traded Sembcorp Marine, called the deal a ‘breakthrough long-term maintenance and refit contract’ that will further boost Singapore’s target to be a major Asian cruise hub and reinforce the shipyard’s reputation as one of the world leaders in cruise ship repairs, refurbishments and conversions.

The contract commits the repairs, refurbishment and upgrading of Carnival ships that cruise in the Far East to Sembawang, excluding those of Princess Cruises which are too large for the facility’s drydocks. The deal was signed by Peter Fetten, svp Corporate Ship Refit, Carnival Corp. & plc, and Ong Poh Kwee, md of Sembawang Shipyard.

The agreement also commits both companies to joint planning, information and experience sharing to achieve sustainable targets in the areas of health, safety and environment, quality, cost-efficiency and timely deliveries. Sembawang said the pact will lead to a process-based improvement using best practices across Carnival’s various brands.

Fetten said the selection of Sembawang is ‘in line with Carnival’s refit strategy to work towards defining repair/upgrade processes and reinforcing success by implementing what works best across the entire fleet.’ He added that Sembawang is recognized as ‘one of the most technically competent and efficient repair yards in the world for the repairs and upgrading of cruise vessels,’ citing positive experience with various Carnival brands.

‘This contract will benefit both organizations in the planning and execution of our drydockings and upgrades in a safe, efficient and cost-effective way,’ Fetten added. ‘It is a very progressive co-operation and Carnival Corp. looks forward to instituting best practices in the way we carry out our refits and upgrades.

Sembawang’s Ong called it a deep honor to be chosen by Carnival and said the partnership will not only increase the facility’s market share in the cruise arena but also will enhance its capabilities as a world-class yard for cruise ship upgrading, modification and conversion work.