The latest figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) show that around 97% of the world’s cruise ships are built in European shipyards, or 98% if based on the price of the order.
From 2024 to 2036, investment by international cruise lines in building new ships in Europe currently totals €57 billion, with more orders expected.
Over the next 12 years, 72 of the 76 ocean-going cruise ships will be built in European shipyards (97% of the total), with 40 of them in Italy (52.6% of the total), 12 in Germany (15.8% of the total) and 10 in France (13.2% of the total).
Cruise ships accounted for 80% of the value of all merchant ship orders from European shipyards, and European companies are distributed throughout the entire chain of cruise ship construction, from steel plate supply to high-tech onboard equipment to interior design.
In addition, European shipyards undertake the conversion and refurbishment of most of the world’s cruise ships.
According to SeaEurope (the Association of Shipyards and Marine Equipment), Europe is currently home to some 300 shipyards, as well as more than 28,000 marine equipment manufacturers and technology providers.