ZAGREB, 17 May (Hina) - A keel-laying ceremony was held at the 3. Maj Rijeka 1905 shipyard on Fridayfor a new-generation luxury cruise ship intended for polar expeditions, which is being built for MKM Yachts, part of Scenic Group.
This is the third polar cruise ship (newbuild 739) for Scenic Group to be built in Croatian shipyards, following the first constructed at Uljanik and the second at 3. Maj. This latest vessel will be significantly larger than its predecessors.
The launch is expected in the autumn of 2026.
Vedran Špehar, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, said the project brings together knowledge, experience and top-level shipbuilding expertise, and represents the government's strategic commitment to preserving and further developing domestic shipbuilding to meet market demands.
The new polar cruise ship represents a step forward compared to previous vessels, introducing a new generation of super-luxury polar cruise ships. It features a high level of equipment and design, clearly demonstrating the capabilities of Croatian shipbuilding to deliver high-quality products reliably and on time, he said.
Asked about the future of the company, considering that the state - through the Centre for Restructuring and Sale - is the owner of 3. Maj Rijeka 1905, Špehar said that there are no current plans to sell it. The first step was restructuring, and what happens next may depend on this newbuild being delivered on time and within budget, which would provide an excellent foundation for the shipyard's long-term viability, he said.
Strategic partner expected
Špehar added that the goal is for the shipyard, through the company 3. Maj Rijeka 1905, to undergo restructuring and be ready for a leap forward - ideally with a strategic partner.
Some preliminary steps will be taken in the coming months, and eventually a strategic partner will be sought. According to current information, there are many serious companies interested in such a partnership.
Špehar said that a public tender for selecting a strategic partner is expected to be announced this year.
Asked about potential partners and a possible military programme, Špehar noted that specialised ships include military programmes and that all options are open.
Support from Scenic Group
Glen Moroney, owner of Scenic Group, thanked the shipyard, particularly the Croatian government, for their vision, cooperation and support in realising the project.
Last December, the government adopted a decision to settle part of the state's claims from the 3. Maj shipyard by transferring shares in its subsidiary 3. Maj Rijeka 1905 to the state and transferring the shipyard concession to that company.
The company 3. Maj Rijeka 1905 has continued shipbuilding operations at the same location, retained the majority of workers, and signed new contracts. Meanwhile, the "old" 3. Maj completed its remaining projects, and in April its Supervisory Board filed a request for bankruptcy proceedings with the Commercial Court in Rijeka.
