MJM Group will renovate the vessel at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in a milestone project
By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Pursuit has arrived at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she will undergo a complete interior refurbishment managed by MJM Group.
The refit represents the first time a cruise ship owner has awarded complete project management responsibility to an individual organisation.
“We are delighted to welcome Azamara Pursuit safely to Belfast following her two-week journey from The Bahamas,” said Gary Annett, CEO of MJM Group. “Watching her berth at Harland and Wolff is the fulfilment of long-held ambition of MJM Group founder and chair Brian McConville to bring a project of this scale to Belfast. This truly is historic not just for MJM Group, but also for the marine industry and there is a real sense that the eyes of the marine world are firmly on us and on Northern Ireland.”
Azamara Pursuit will be docked in Belfast for several months while the full refit is carried out. It will be the largest project of its kind to take place at a UK shipyard for many years.
“We are delighted to be working with MJM Group in providing the berthing, support and other services for this fantastic project,” said Jonathan Guest, director of business development and improvement at Harland and Wolff.
At the end of July, Azamara Pursuit will sail to Southampton, UK to prepare for her maiden voyage to Norway on 1 August.
“With the christening taking place in Southampton, and the maiden voyage departing from Southampton too, the UK is playing a key part in the ship’s story and so we’re thrilled that the refit is taking place at Harland and Wolff,” said Richard Twynam, managing director of Azamara Club Cruises, UK and Ireland.
Read our exclusive interview with Azamara Club Cruises’ CEO Larry Pimentel and MJM Group’s Brian McConville to find out more about the Azamara Pursuit project.