ArcelorMittal has recently signed a contract for the supply of steel for two new cruise ships to be built by STX France at its shipyards in Saint-Nazaire (France). ArcelorMittal is thus again designated the preferred steel supplier for these projects, as it already had been for four ships built by STX France, including Harmony of the Seas, which was delivered in spring 2016.
This new order for two ships will be 100% supplied by ArcelorMittalâs European plants: the heavy steel plates that will form the shipsâ hulls are manufactured at ArcelorMittalâs plant in Gijón (Spain), while the decks will be constructed using steel sheet supplied by the Saint-Nazaire facility from coils produced at Fos-sur-Mer (France). Initial deliveries of these products began in September and the ceremony for the cutting of the first plate was held at the STX France shipyard in St Nazaire on 21 November, marking the commencement of construction of one of these two vessels. Deliveries of ArcelorMittal products for the two ships are scheduled through to the end of 2018.
Reiner Blaschek, Chief Marketing Officer Region North – ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat products, commented: âWe welcome the continued confidence in us exhibited by STX France. This exceptional order further strengthens the links between our two groups and opens a new era that will enable us to further extend our partnership, offering increasingly innovative solutions!â?