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Anglo-Eastern expands presence in cruise sector with new workplace and executive appointments in Miami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 05 March 2025 05 March 2025

Anglo-Eastern Univan Group (Anglo-Eastern), a global leader in independent ship management services, ihas announced further developments in its cruise and leisure business with a new workplace in Miami’s Blue Lagoon area and the joining of Neil McNeil as Managing Director of Anglo-Eastern Cruise Management International (AECMI) and Frits van der Werff as Vice President of Commercial, Cruise and Leisure Management.

Having acquired the Cruise Management International Group at the end of 2022, Anglo-Eastern Cruise Management Inc. (AECMI) and Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management (AELM) are now fully integrated into Anglo-Eastern’s eco-system, and the Group is now ready to drive the combined entity forward, having undergone advanced knowledge transfers across the business.

The relocation of its Miami office to a new, modern space near the Blue Lagoon area, just a short distance from Miami Airport is a strategic move that underscores Anglo-Eastern’s commitment to the cruise industry and its mission to better serve both existing and future clients in the Americas and across the globe.

The Miami office serves as a hub for Anglo-Eastern’s cruise and leisure management services, providing a collaborative environment that reflects the unified identity of Anglo-Eastern’s offices worldwide. This enhanced presence in Miami strengthens the company's commitment to delivering world-class, innovative services tailored to the unique needs of the cruise sector, with a focus on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and streamlined support for cruise line partners.

In addition to the new workspace in Miami, Anglo-Eastern is proud to announce two executive appointments within its cruise division.

Neil McNeil has recently been appointed as Managing Director at AECMI. Neil sailed professionally on ferries and roll-on/roll-off passenger vessels (ROPAX) since 1998 before transitioning to the cruise sector in 2006. With over two decades of leadership experience across multiple companies in the maritime and cruise sectors in the United States, Neil is well-positioned to lead Anglo-Eastern’s growing cruise management portfolio.

Frits van der Werff, a dynamic leader in the cruise industry, has been named Vice President of Commercial at Anglo-Eastern’s cruise and leisure division. Having held executive positions in both the cruise and hotel sectors, Frits brings nearly two decades of leadership experience blended from major cruise lines and hospitality brands, with a strong focus on cruise operations and client relationships. His addition to Anglo-Eastern is set to further elevate its position in the cruise sector as the industry continues to evolve.

Carsten Ostenfeldt, Chief Operating Officer at Anglo-Eastern, marked the announcement: “The strategic moves underscore our commitment to the cruise sector and further solidify Anglo-Eastern’s position as a trusted partner in providing world-class services with economies of scale to like-minded clients. We are confident that Anglo-Eastern is uniquely positioned to consistently expand and strengthen our presence in the cruise sector.”

Dietmar Wertanzl, President & CEO at AELM, shared his enthusiasm on the new force: “I'm delighted to work alongside Neil, whose extensive experience makes him an invaluable asset to the Anglo-Eastern team. I am also eager to collaborate with Frits in his new role. Having known Frits for quite some time, I am confident that he will bring valuable insights from his solid experience in the cruise industry, combined with his innovative approach in creating value for our clients.”

Summa Defence's target company Uudenkaupungin Työvene to build two battery-hybrid passenger vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 26 February 2025 26 February 2025

Defense and security technology group Summa Defence's target company Uudenkaupungin Työvene has signed a contract to build two battery-hybrid passenger vessels for Swedish shipping company Torghatten AB.

The vessels will operate on Sweden's west coast between Strömstad and the Koster islands. The vessels will be based on Multi Maritime AS design.

The total contract value exceeds 20 million euros.

"Our target companies' order backlog is already 200 million euros, and this order further strengthens it. Our target companies possess tremendous expertise and potential, and together with Summa Defence, operations and production can be scaled up significantly," states Jussi Holopainen, CEO of Summa Defence.

The target companies of Summa Defence include Lännen Tractors, Aquamec, Uudenkaupungin Työvene, IntLog and Lightspace Technologies. These companies are expected to become subsidiaries of Summa Defence Group tentatively in April 2025 in the execution of the share exchange transactions announced on January 29, 2025.

REV Ocean selects V.Ships Norway as ship management partner for world’s largest research and expedition vessel

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 24 February 2025 24 February 2025

V.Ships, part of V.Group, has tannounced that it will partner with REV Ocean to provide a tailored suite of ship management services for the world’s largest and most advanced research and expedition vessel, the REV Ocean.

The vessel, which is currently at Vard Søviknes, Norway, will be equipped to conduct research across the entire marine ecosystem, using advanced technology systems developed by world-leading knowledge clusters in Norway. It will be used by scientists and other experts for innovative research expeditions to find solutions to issues such as the impact of CO2 emissions, plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishing on the ocean.

The vessel is constructed to run on diesel electric engines, with an additional 3MW lithium-ion battery pack for peak shaving, ensuring optimum efficiency onboard.

Dag Christoffersen, Managing Director of V.Ships Norway, said: “REV Ocean’s decision to build the biggest vessel of its kind in the world, featuring the world’s most advanced technology and scientific equipment, necessitates ship management support from a partner with unmatched capacity to deliver.

“In addition to V.’s global reach and service offering, REV Ocean will benefit from the local expertise of our Norway office, which has strong ties with the Kjell Inge Røkke group of companies, and extensive knowledge of working within the guidelines set out by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.”

Per Bjørnsen, CEO of V.Ships Leisure, added: “We are delighted to welcome the REV Ocean – which in addition to being a research vessel is the world’s largest yacht – to our fleet at a time where we see an increased demand for our yacht management services. Many owners of very large yachts in private use are looking for a global partner combining the safety culture, operating platform, global reach and scale of V. with our dedicated yacht management team providing bespoke services.

“This exciting new partnership with REV Ocean will allow us to leverage V.’s unique range of expertise and experience, and our powerful digital ship management platform, ShipSure, to contribute to vital scientific research. In doing so, we will maximise our positive impact on a vessel that is at the cutting edge of green ship technology.”

Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean, commented: “At REV Ocean, our mission is to make a true difference in improving the state of our ocean. To achieve this, we are establishing partnerships with other leading organisations with similar goals and values, and especially those that hold a commitment to sustainability and the future health of our planet.

“V.’s unrivalled experience across a range of maritime sectors means they are well equipped to handle the need for versatility and specialisation that will be required for REV Ocean. Their excellent track record in expedition cruises, including those operating in polar waters, will ensure that our vessel, and the crew onboard, will be able to tackle the most demanding of environments. At the same time, their digital platform will play an integral role in ensuring that all operations are efficient and optimised, with the benefit of 24/7 real-time data which will help to inform decisions and actions on each expedition.

“Together we will make sure that the ocean continues to thrive and can provide oxygen, food, and jobs for mankind for generations to come. After all, there is no alternative.”

An independent science and innovation board will evaluate and recommend research projects for REV Ocean to pursue and ensure the highest level of scientific standards and research quality onboard. The vessel has the capacity to take 106 people, of which around 50-65 will be crew depending on the planned operations. The ship features state-of-the-art scientific equipment, such as echo sounders and sonars to study fish and other marine species, an advanced eco-harvesting trawl sampling system for selective live catch of biomass and pelagic samples, a submarine, an advanced ROV, and multiple on-board laboratories.

REV Ocean will sail from Vard Søviknes on 2 March 2025 to Damen Shiprepair in Vlissingen, the Netherlands for final yacht outfitting work, before being put into full operation from the beginning of 2027. V. commenced management of the vessel from December 2024, and amongst the organisation’s first tasks was the sourcing of experienced crew for this initial voyage.

V. will manage the vessel during outfitting in the Netherlands, as well as when the ship enters full operation at the beginning of 2027.

ALMACO Group describes Aroya refurbishment

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 15 February 2025 15 February 2025

ALMACO Group has announced the successful completion of a comprehensive refurbishment project on the cruise vessel Aroya, owned by AROYA Cruises. The vessel, which underwent extensive renovations while in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam for several months, reached its home port in Jeddah at the beginning of December and has since then operated cruises. The project was completed in collaboration with MJM.

ALMACO Group’s scope of work on the Aroya, formerly known as World Dream, included the installation of two completely new galleys, the creation of a new kids cooking school, major modifications in the main galley, and the addition of four completely new bars and cafes. Additionally, the company replaced catering equipment in 12 different back and front of house areas and fully refurbished 800 square meters of public areas. Over 38 metric tons of new catering equipment were installed, sourced from 112 different material suppliers.

This extensive project was carried out between May 2024 and November 2024 in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, involving participants from several of our ALMACO offices.

Esko Ryyppö, Project Manager at ALMACO, commented on the project’s success, stating, “The fantastic end-result is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between MJM, the owner and our team. The teamwork has truly transformed the Aroya into a state-of-the-art cruise vessel.”

Palfinger Marine bags contract for fourth Icon-class ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 04 February 2025 04 February 2025

Palfinger Marine has secured a major contract with the Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard to provide lifesaving appliances (LSA) for Royal Caribbean International’s fourth Icon-class ship, set to debut in 2027. As one of the largest projects in the cruise segment to date, it reinforces Palfinger’s role as a trusted partner for marine safety and innovation.

Passengers aboard a cruise ship entrust their safety to the vessel and its crew. For years, Palfinger Marine has consistently demonstrated its expertise by equipping some of the world’s largest and most advanced cruise ships with lifesaving appliances (LSA). Having delivered lifesaving appliances for the world’s best family vacation ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, as well as the upcoming Star of the Seas debuting in summer 2025 and the soon-to-be-named third Icon-class ship, Palfinger has now been selected by Meyer Turku to outfit the fourth addition to the revolutionary Icon Class lineup.

Advanced lifesaving appliances

The fourth Icon-class vacation ship, built at the renowned Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard, will be equipped with a comprehensive package of state-of-the-art LSA. This includes 18 lifeboats, which are one of the largest totally enclosed lifeboats on the market, each with a capacity of 450 passengers. Complementing this, 18 hydraulic pivoting davits ensure the secure and seamless deployment of the lifeboats. Additionally, Palfinger Marine will supply two fast rescue boat A-frame davits for rapid response in emergencies, as well as two fast rescue boats, built for speed and agility.

Extending a trusted partnership

“This is one of our largest boats and davits orders in the cruise segment yet, reinforcing our role as a global partner for deck equipment and lifesaving appliances”, says Klaus Schreiber, Vice President Sales & Service at Palfinger Marine. “Our long-standing relationship with Royal Caribbean ensures that we understand their needs. Each solution is designed to perfectly fit into the design of the state-of-the-art ships and exceed the safety and performance standards in the industry. We are proud to now equip their fourth Icon-class ship with our innovative solutions.”

The project timeline includes delivery of the davits between 2025 and 2026, followed by the boats in 2026 and 2027.