seatec - Finnish marine technology review 1/2009 | Page 12

Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Martin Landtman took up the position as terial prices and newbuilding costs, will entertainment onboard, it is clear to see manager for the Finnish yards. Together continue to influence the order intake go- that some cruise liners may consider refur- with the manager for the yards in France ing forward. bishing older ships a cost-effective alterna- and the manager for sales and marketing Still, despite turbulence in the world’s tive to newbuildings. STX Europe’s Lifecy- within Cruise & Ferries, he is part of the financial markets, STX Europe received or- cle Services unit specialises in conversions corporate management team. ders for two new ferries during the quar- and refurbishments, and follows opportu- ter. nities in this market niche closely. Through 2008, the company communicated that the key markets may sof- And, as always, any crisis brings about also opportunities for those willing FINCANTIERI FEELS THE STING The general economic climate, and and able to embrace them. With strict- The Italian shipyard of Fincantieri agrees its effect on factors like access to financ- er safety and environmental regulations with the assessment of its Northern col- ing, number of cruise passengers, raw ma- and more focus on passenger comfort and leagues – the company remarks that the ten compared to 2007. 10 seatec 1/2009