Seatec - International Maritime Review 3/2022 | Page 26

Generation Y seems to be driving the reboot , as millennial cruisers are the most enthusiastic about taking another cruise , with 87 % indicating they will take a cruise in the next few years , followed by Gen X at 85 %.
GRACE UNDER FIRE
In Finland , leading shipyard Meyer Turku has been able to cope amidst tough times . The company ’ s turnover for 2021 was EUR 1.08 billion which was somewhat higher than in the previous year – but , of course , 2020 was marred with COVID .
CEO Tim Meyer commented the financial results in May , admitting that exceptional times lasted longer than expected .
“ The global effects of the COVID- 19 pandemic , such as labor and material mobility , affected our operations as well . However , despite significant challenges , we were able to keep our production and processes running ,” says Meyer .
ORDERBOOK STILL SOLID
In the spring of 2021 , for example , the company launched a major transformation program in Turku and Papenburg , Germany , to increase its cost efficiency and to ensure a sustainable profitability level .
“ Our customers see growth in the market after the pandemic , and our shipyard ’ s order books extend to 2026 ,” Meyer says , adding that today , society , customers

Our focus will increasingly shift to sustainable shipbuilding .

and ship passengers all require action to enhance responsibility .
“ Our focus will increasingly shift to sustainable shipbuilding .”
The Turku Shipyard has kept its head to the grindstone , handing over Costa Toscana to Costa Crociere in December 2021 and now continuing work on Carnival Celebration ( to be delivered by the end of 2022 ). Next up in the pipeline : Royal Caribbean International ’ s Icon of The Seas in 2023 and the TUI Cruises ’ Mein Schiff 7 in 2024 . n
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