Marella Cruises UK has secured a landmark 5‑year technical service agreement with V.Ships Leisure, marking a pivotal shift in the management of its 5‑ship fleet.
Set to commence at the end of 2025, this industry‑leading contract encompasses full technical support, crew administration, digital fleet oversight and ESG compliance, positioning Marella at the forefront of sustainable and pro‑active operations;
Under the agreement, V.Ships Leisure will establish a dedicated Marella fleet management cell in Southampton UK, enhancing local support while drawing upon its extensive global expertise. By the close of 2025, two Marella vessels will transition under V.Ships management, with the remaining three following by mid‑2026.
One of the key innovations in the partnership is the implementation of V.Ships’ ShipSure platform, a digital tool enabling data‑driven decision‑making across maintenance and operations. This system promises greater transparency and a more efficient operational cadence throughout the Marella fleet. In addition, V.Ships’ V.ERDE decarbonisation programme has been adopted to support Marella’s environmental and governance commitments.
Marella Cruises’ operations director, Adrian Hibbert, expressed confidence in the selection of V.Ships following a rigorous tender process and welcomed their expertise in delivering reliable and sustainable service. V.Ships Leisure’s CEO, Per Bjørnsen, described the contract as recognition of the company’s industry leadership, its digital-first strategy, and its ESG credentials.