According to Martifer Group, the vessel, named SEFU, was commissioned by the Japanese group Ryobi Holdings and is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

With the commissioning of dry dock number 3, the Viana do Castelo shipyards “strengthen their capacity for shipbuilding and repair operations,” according to a statement from the Douro, Leixões, and Viana do Castelo Port Authority (APDL).

Representing an investment of approximately 24 million euros, the new dry dock measures 220 meters long and 45 meters wide—dimensions that will allow the shipyards to accommodate larger vessels.

The public company managing the Douro ports added that “the entry into operation of this infrastructure marks a significant milestone for the Port of Viana do Castelo, reinforcing its capacity to support the shipbuilding industry and creating better conditions to handle larger and more complex operations.”

“With this new facility, the Port of Viana do Castelo consolidates its position as a strategic infrastructure supporting maritime-port activity and the shipbuilding industry, contributing to the sector’s competitiveness and the region’s economic revitalisation,” the statement reviewed today by Lusa noted.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the dry dock project took place in 2020 at the former Viana do Castelo Shipyards (ENVC) and was presided over by the then-Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Pedro Nuno Santos.

The luxury cruise ship is approximately 110–120 meters long, with a beam of 19 meters and a draft of about five meters. The vessel “will operate primarily in Japan and Southeast Asia and has a capacity of approximately 100 to 150 passengers.”

“This contract award aligns with the ongoing strategic plan, enabling sustainable business development and strengthening the Martifer Group’s export profile in markets offering distinctive value-added products,” the group’s management stated.