New Order from Chinese shipyard CIMC Raffles: Maritime Montering to Outfit Two Smyril Line Ro-Ro Vessels
Maritime Montering is proud to announce a significant new collaboration with CIMC Raffles Shipyard in Yantai, China, for the delivery of full turnkey accommodation on two newly ordered Ro-Ro cargo vessels for Smyril Line.
The scope of work includes the complete outfitting of 1,600 m² of living and working spaces per vessel, showcasing Maritime Montering’s extensive capabilities in delivering high-quality interior solutions tailored for demanding maritime operations.
Each vessel will be 190 meters in length, designed with 3,300 lane meters for trailers, and will join the fleet of Smyril Line – a Faroese shipping company renowned for operating one of the world’s longest and most challenging Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax routes in the North Atlantic. The vessels are designed by Knud E. Hansen, with construction taking place at CIMC Raffles Offshore.
from left: Odd Birkeland, Maritime Montering’s Founder, Jens Meinhard Rasmussen, CEO at Smyril Line
“We are incredibly proud to bring our expertise to Smyril Line,” says Kelvin Zhang, CEO of Maritime Montering China. “Having previously delivered the krill vessel for Aker BioMarine at CIMC Raffles, this new order further reinforces our reputation for quality and commitment.”
This strategic project will be carried out in close collaboration between Maritime Montering Norway and Maritime Montering China, combining the strengths of both units to ensure excellence from design through delivery.
“This cross-border cooperation was a decisive factor in securing the project,” comments Odd Birkeland, Founder of Maritime Montering Group. “With this model of collaboration, we expect to see more project flow from the Chinese market.”
Smyril Line, operating since 1982, connects Europe, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland – routes known for their demanding weather and sea conditions. These newbuilds, entering service in 2026, are designed to meet the unique challenges of the North Atlantic.
“These routes require resilience – from both the vessel and the crew,” adds Odd Birkeland. “Our interior solutions are specifically designed to improve working and living environments at sea, ensuring comfort, safety, and efficiency for crews operating in even the harshest conditions.”
Established in 2019, Maritime Montering’s Chinese business unit has built strong relationships with local shipyards, solidifying its footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic shipbuilding hubs.
With Norwegian origins and global reach, Maritime Montering continues to build trust across continents.
Smyril Line and Maritme Montenting meeting at Nor-shipping 2025
CIMC Raffles Offshore is a major Chinese shipyard and part of the China International Marine Containers (CIMC) Group. Headquartered in Yantai, it specializes in the construction of high-end offshore and marine vessels, including semi-submersible rigs, jack-up rigs, offshore platforms, and advanced commercial ships. Known for its engineering capabilities and large-scale production facilities, CIMC Raffles serves both domestic and international clients and has become a key player in global shipbuilding and offshore engineering.
Smyril Line is a Faroese shipping company established in 1982. It operates ferry and cargo services in the North Atlantic, connecting the Faroe Islands with Denmark, Iceland, and other North Atlantic destinations. Its main passenger vessel, MS Norröna, offers regular ferry services between Hirtshals (Denmark), Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), and Seyðisfjörður (Iceland), combining transport with cruise-style travel. Smyril Line also manages freight logistics throughout the region.
Maritime Montering is a Norwegian group established in 1981 with the aim of delivering innovative and high-quality ship interiors for vessels and rigs. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals and a passion for excellence, Maritime Montering has completed more than 1,150 interior projects. Today, the company operates from seven countries, including China and continues to grow.
For media information, please contact:
Antonina Dubograi, Group Marketing Manager
Maritime Montering Group
antonina.dubograi@maritimemontering.com
