Page 27: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q1 2013)

and Carnival Cruise Lines, and with Viking Ocean Cruises for another two cruise ships. These results conÞ rm Fin- cantieriÕs world leadership in the cruise ship sector, even at a time of slowing demand.EXACTLY ONE YEAR HAS PASSED SINCE COSTA CONCORDIA SUNK OFF OF GIGLIO ISLAND. HOW IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINCAN- TIERI AND THE LARGEST CRUISE SHIPPING COMPANY CARNIVAL CORPORATION AT THE MOMENT?Carnival, and Costa Cruises in partic- ular, remain for us and for the country, exceptional and indispensable investors. Out of 63 ships delivered 52 were for dif- ferent brands in Carnival Group, 13 for Princess Cruises; Costa Diadema will be the 10th Costa ship built by Fincantieri in Italy since 2000, with a total invest- ment worth almost 5 billion euros. We hope that this order is a strong signal for an upturn by a strategic sector for the countryÕs economy and the industry as a whole. Fincantieri, even in a difÞ cult mo- ment as today, is resolutely continuing its commitment in a particularly depressed market in order to gain whatever orders there might be, thus holding on to its po-sition as world leader. WHAT DOES THE PURCHASE OF STX OSV MEAN FOR FINCANTIERI?This transaction is a source of pride for all FincantieriÕs employees and busi- ness partners. It marks the beginning of a new era for Fincantieri. The acquisi- tion of STX OSV will further enhance our position as a leading international competitor. It will strengthen Fincan- tieriÕs commitment to pursuing a strat- egy of diversiÞ cation and development in order to retain our long-term competi-tiveness and generate important positive impacts for our Italian assets. IÕm sure this is the right way forward to optimize our global leadership position in the high value-added end of the shipbuild- ing industry and to establish ourselves as champions of the Western world. - Bianchiwww.maritimeprofessional.com | Maritime Professional | 27MP #1 18-33.indd 27MP #1 18-33.indd 272/22/2013 11:03:05 AM2/22/2013 11:03:05 AM