Fincantieri has teamed up with China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) and Carnival Corp to finalise an order to build up to six ships worth $4.5bn.

The three partners have inked a landmark deal that will see the construction of two firm ships at CSSC-controlled Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co (SWS).

They will be the first units of this kind ever built in China for the local market.

Fincantieri’s latest deal comes as a natural development of its joint venture with CSSC and Carnival, revealed last year.

Pen was put to paper during the fourth Italy-China business forum confirming yesterday's reports over a potential deal.

Giuseppe Bono, chief executive of Fincantieri, said: "Looking at the global scenario means trying to widen one’s boundaries, laying the foundations to further boost business prospects and access more complex markets.

“It is not possible to maintain a competitive presence in the medium and long term without such a commitment.

“We therefore believe that today’s agreement is an example of industrial partnership that not only reaffirms our leadership in the cruise industry, but also creates a virtuous system among the two countries".

Options for four more

The binding agreement between the Italian shipbuilder and Carnival carries options for four more ships, to be deployed in the Chinese market.

All major cruiseship owners have turned their attention to the Asian country, where they see fertile ground for cruise investments.

Arnold Donald, chief executive of Carnival, said: "We are proud to be able to order the first China-built cruise ships and play a leadership role in developing cruise shipbuilding capabilities for the first time in China.

"It represents another important milestone in building a sustainable and prosperous cruise industry, and demonstrates our commitment to helping China become a leading cruise market as part of its five-year economic development plan."

For Fincantieri, this is the second nine-digit deal to be signed by Fincantieri this month.

The Italian company won a $5.1bn order for up to six ships by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) a week ago.