Croatian Shipyard 3. Maj to Build Two River Cruise Vessels for Scenic Group

Croatian company MKM Yachts, part of the Australian Scenic Group, has signed a contract with the shipyard 3. Maj 1905 for the construction of two 80-metre luxury river cruise vessels. The project will be implemented in Rijeka, with the contract value not disclosed.

According to MKM Yachts, the project is based on strong domestic industrial cooperation and further strengthens Croatia’s competitiveness in the niche segment of specialised shipbuilding. It also ensures employment continuity, engages local suppliers, and reinforces Rijeka’s role as a recognised shipbuilding centre in the Adriatic region. MKM Yachts acts as the general contractor for all newbuild projects of Scenic Group in Croatia.

It should be recalled that in April 2023 the 3. Maj shipyard delivered a six-star polar expedition cruise vessel to MKM Yachts, valued at approximately EUR 170 million, a project that was officially highlighted by the Croatian government as strategically important for national industry.

Comment by the Institute of Danube Research
This contract demonstrates the growing role of the Adriatic–Danube area in high-value river and expedition cruise shipbuilding. For the Danube macro-region, the construction of new river cruise vessels is directly linked to the development of river tourism, passenger port infrastructure, and related services along the Danube. From the IDR perspective, Croatia’s experience in integrating global cruise operators into local shipbuilding chains offers relevant lessons for Ukraine and Moldova in the context of reviving shipbuilding capacities, renewing Danube passenger fleets, and building long-term industrial cooperation across the Black Sea–Danube region.