Romanian yard secures 155m superyacht contract

Damen Mangalia, a joint venture between Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group and the Romanian state, has secured a deal to build a 155m (580ft) superyacht for Norway’s SeaDream Yacht Club.

The contract marks Damen Mangalia’s entry into the luxury cruise ship market, the Romanian Ministry says in a statement.

“The partnership between Romania and Damen Group brings benefits to both parties, continuing the long tradition of shipbuilding in the Black Sea region,” says Romanian Economy Minister Niculae Badalau.

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

In July 2018, Damen took over operational control over the Romanian shipyard which formerly operated as Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries (DMHI). The latest order, in addition to two other major contracts Damen Mangalia recently obtained, will allow the shipyard to continue to expand its workforce.

When Damen took over the Romanian business, the Mangalia-based shipyard employed around 1,700 workers. By the end of this year, the Romanian subsidiary is expected to increase its workforce to around 2,500.