MKM Yachts, a subsidiary of the Scenic Group, has commissioned the construction of the “Eclipse II”. MKM Yachts already has experience in Croatia, gained from the construction of the “Scenic Eclipse” at the Uljanik shipyard in Uljanik, considered the best luxury yacht of its kind in the world in 2019.
Scenic Group plans to build four more cruise ships like the “Scenic Eclipse” and the “Eclipse II” at the 3. Maj. shipyard. The total value of this project is €860 million, and this agreement represents a significant new opportunity for the revitalization of Croatian shipbuilding and the preservation of hundreds of jobs at the Rijeka shipyard.
The start of construction of the Eclipse II, a new polar expedition cruise ship for the Scenic Group, took place at the 3. Maj Shipyard, and the Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Handicrafts, Darko Horvat, emphasized that this vessel is the first new ship built at the shipyard in four years.
Around 1,000 tons of steel were delivered from North Macedonia for its construction. Saša Čokljat, managing director of MKM Yachts, Scenic's Croatian subsidiary, explained the new business model in which MKM Yachts has taken over a small portion of the Rijeka shipyard under concession and is utilizing the existing infrastructure and expertise of Croatian shipbuilders in cooperation with Scenic's team of experts to complete the construction of the Scenic Eclipse replica. "This project is the result of strong support and partnership with the Croatian government and the 3. Maj shipyard," Čokljat stated in his address.
Čokljat also noted that this major project would not have been possible if the Croatian government had not recognized its potential from the outset of negotiations. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Economy Minister Darko Horvat, and Finance Minister Zlatko Marić demonstrated courage and commitment, resulting in a project that offers a long-term development prospect for Croatian shipbuilding and the opportunity to preserve its rich shipbuilding traditions, ensure the continuity of production, and safeguard hundreds of jobs in Rijeka.
The “Eclipse II” will be the sister ship of the “Scenic Eclipse,” a 6-star luxury vessel designed to explore both poles. The “Scenic Eclipse” is expected to arrive in the port of Rijeka between May 2nd and 4th and will remain there until the coronavirus lockdown ends.
The “Scenic Eclipse” was built and outfitted in Uljanik, Pula, but due to Uljanik's financial situation, the ship's owner, rather than the shipyard, completed the final details. Just as the ship was nearly finished, Uljanik went bankrupt. Instead of collecting €50 million in state guarantees, Scenic decided to return the guarantees, keep the ship, and continue construction using its own resources and manpower. A team of Croatian engineers, designers, and thousands of other shipbuilding experts and workers labored tirelessly to complete the vessel. Despite all the difficulties encountered during the production process, the final result was outstanding, leading the owner of the Scenic Group, Australian businessman Glen Moroney, to decide to continue building new cruise ships for his fleet in Croatia.
