Back in December I reported that the Libyan Government ordered the 139,000grt ship, m/v Phoenicia. It was shocking at the time but given how much $$$$ the Libyan government had from its oil exports {the state run shipping line sails only tankers}, the venture into passenger ships didn’t seem that far stretched. Hapag-Lloyd and MSC did it successfully. Shortly after the steel was cut, the Libyan conflict broke out. The instability of the government put the contact in jeopardy. It has not been reported that STX officially voided the contract. The company, run by Muammar Gaddafi’s son, missed their last payment on May 15th.

STX will now be looking for a new customer to deliver the ship to.

via: CIN

The General National Maritime Transport Company (Libya) and STX France celebrated the steel cutting ceremony for the state-run comapny’s first cruise ship. The ship ordered back in June has celebrated the first milestone of construction: The steel cutting. On hand from GNMTC were Captain Ali M. Belhag, Chairman and Captain Abdulhakim M. Algheziwy, Marine Operation Manager. Code named X32, she is rumored to be a modified fantasia class of MSC Cruises.

STX France cut into the first piece of steel for the 139,000grt ship. If all goes to plan, she will be delivered in exactly 2 years on December 2012.

There are currently no details on interiors or even renders of her yet. Stay tuned though as I am eagerly awaiting info on both.

This is GNMTC’s first plunge in the messenger trade. They currently own 24 liquid bulk tankers that only sail in the crude oil trade. The government led company has $1 billion cash on hand so financing will not be a problem.