During the third quarter Martin Landtman (fourth from the left) took up the position as manager for the STX Europe’s Finnish yards.
S
TX Europe is one of the world’s lead-
the general economic climate clearly influ-
cerns about the dampening health of the
ing builders of cruise ships and ferries,
ences customers’ willingness and financial
international finance market and reduced
capacity to invest in newbuilds.
private consumer economy.
with a market share of 35–40 percent. The
company builds “the world’s largest and
STX Europe sees a glimmer of hope
most advanced cruise ships” at its yards in
in the market for vessels operating in chalDOWNWARD SPIRAL
lenging environments such as arctic and
Activity at the STX Europe shipyards
Main cruise ship operators have reported a
deep water regions. This niche area is ex-
continues to be high within all business ar-
downward trend for 2009 bookings – and
pected to remain rather stable.
eas, but the company readily admits that
what’s more, the cruise lines express con-
France and Finland.
8
seatec 1/2009
Facing this financial storm, STX Eu-