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MJM Marine Targets Record Support for Cancer Focus NI at Annual Golf Day

MJM Marine has officially launched its 2026 Charity Golf Day, with more than 135 golfers and 60 sponsors expected to take part in support of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.,The event will take place at Warrenpoint Golf Club on Friday 3rd July. It will bring together clients, suppliers and industry partners from across Ireland, the UK and further afield for a day of fundraising and networking.,To mark the launch of the Golf Day, MJM Marine welcomed Eoin Caughey, Fundraising Officer with Cancer Focus NI, to its headquarters in Newry. The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the partnership and recognise the support already received from sponsors ahead of the event.,The response from the business community has been significant. Sponsorship packages have been fully supported by 60 local, national and international organisations. More than 135 golfers are expected to take part on the day.,Chris Rodgers, Chief Financial Officer at MJM Marine, said, "The support for this year's Golf Day has been outstanding. We are delighted to have 60 sponsors involved and to welcome golfers from across Ireland/the UK, and beyond.,"Like many organisations, cancer has touched the lives of people across our business and our wider community. Supporting Cancer Focus NI is something our team feels strongly about.’’,"The Golf Day is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, raise vital funds and support the important work the charity carries out every day.",Cancer Focus NI provides care and support services for cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland. The charity also delivers prevention, research and awareness programmes.,Elizabeth O'Connor, Director of People and Governance at MJM Marine, added, "Our Charity of the Year partnership is about making a meaningful difference. We are proud to support Cancer Focus NI and the work they do for individuals and families across Northern Ireland.,"Our employees have fully embraced the partnership and the Golf Day is one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar. I would like to thank our Social, Health and Wellbeing Committee for their work on the event. We are grateful to every sponsor, golfer and supporter who has chosen to get involved.",Funds raised from the event will help support Cancer Focus NI's services across Northern Ireland.

Margaritaville at Sea Confirms Fleet Investment with Appointment of Rathbane Group

Margaritaville at Sea has confirmed a significant fleet investment with the acquisition of a new ship from the Costa brand. It has appointed Northern Ireland-headquartered Rathbane Group companies, MJM Marine and Mivan, to deliver a significant proportion of the refurbishment programme.,The multi-million-pound project will see a vessel currently operating under Costa Cruises transformed into the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber. Rebranding is scheduled during a 12-week dry dock period from late September 2026 with shipyard details shortly to be announced.,Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said, “Beachcomber represents an important next step for Margaritaville at Sea as we continue expanding the fleet and investing in the guest experience across our ships. We are bringing together the infrastructure, talent and technical expertise needed for a project of this scale, and Rathbane Group has an outstanding reputation in cruise ship outfitting and refurbishment. We’re looking forward to bringing Beachcomber to life with their teams and further growing our presence in the cruise market.”,The programme will involve extensive transformation of public and guest areas, with MJM Marine and Mivan delivering key elements of the onboard experience. Works include the central atrium, spa, children’s facilities, speciality dining venues, nightclub and external VIP areas, alongside signature features such as the ‘Flip Flop Bar’. ,Gary Annett, Chief Executive of MJM Marine, said, “This project demonstrates the continued confidence of global cruise brands in MJM’s capability and the wider Rathbane Group. Our teams are highly experienced in delivering complex outfitting programmes within defined dry dock windows across the world and we look forward to adding Beachcomber to that list. Rathbane Group’s appointment reflects both our technical expertise and our ability to work in partnership with clients like Margaritaville at Sea to realise their vision.”,John Cunningham, Chief Executive of Mivan, added, “Having previously partnered with Margaritaville at Sea in 2024, we are delighted to be working together once again on this exciting project. Alongside MJM Marine and the wider Rathbane Group, we look forward to delivering high-quality, design-led spaces while proudly showcasing the capability and craftsmanship we have here in Mivan and across the Group.”,The vessel will continue in service through the summer before entering dry dock, with completion scheduled ahead of its relaunch as Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber in 2027. A total investment figure was not disclosed.,Ends,For further press information, please contact Maria Hayworth, Hayworth PR on maria@hayworthpr.com or Deborah Loughran King Communication on Deborah.Loughran@Kingcommunication.co.uk,About Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line ,Margaritaville at Sea brings Margaritaville’s iconic hospitality to the open ocean, delivering one-of-a-kind offshore vacation experiences inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of its namesake. With three distinct ships and an expanding lineup of itineraries, Margaritaville at Sea offers something for every kind of traveller. The Paradise provides quick and easy 3- to 5-night getaways from Palm Beach to The Bahamas and Key West, while the Islander departs from Port Tampa Bay on 4- to 7-night adventures to Mexico and the Western Caribbean. ,Beginning in 2027, guests can set sail aboard the all-new Beachcomber, the line’s newest flagship vessel, offering 7- to 10-night itineraries from PortMiami to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. Onboard, guests can relax in comfort across a range of fully immersive suites and staterooms inspired by the sea, sand, and sun., Each ship features a wide array of inclusive and specialty dining options with chef-crafted, island-inspired cuisine; uniquely themed bars and lounges with non-stop live entertainment; a kids’ club and arcade; the Margaritaville Casino; the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon; multiple pools and hot tubs; and plenty of quiet spaces to soak up the Caribbean sun. Sail away to an island state of mind at MargaritavilleAtSea.com.,About The Rathbane Group,The Rathbane Group is a second-generation, family-led business, headquartered in Newry, Northern Ireland with locations across the UK, Ireland and Poland and is the parent brand for a group of companies comprising MJM Marine, Mivan, Topglass, NTS and Rathbane Holdings. ,The Rathbane Group delivers high end outfitting and manufacturing services across a range of sectors on both marine and land-based projects across the globe. ,It offers a complete spectrum of services - from pre-construction, design, manufacturing and technical, through to resourcing and project management. The Groups take a partnership approach and believes in building long term relationships with its clients and communities. With a Values centric approach, the highly experienced team aim to go above and beyond in its project delivery.,• MJM Marine: Global leading marine outfitting company ,• Mivan: Leading specialist joinery and land/marine fitout company,• NTS: (Nautical Technical Solutions) Bespoke technical marine outfitting services contractor ,• Topglass: Specialist glazing and facades contractor,• Rathbane Holdings: Diversified property & investment portfolio with commercial, retail and renewables assets,• Rathbane Group Services oversee the strategic management of the business units and brings together centralised expertise in areas such as business systems & innovation, logistics, sustainability, financial and legal.,

MJM Marine on Quest for Azamara Deal

MJM Marine has secured a major new contract with Azamara Cruises, marking the continuation of a long-standing relationship between the two organisations.,The project will see Newry headquartered MJM Marine deliver a substantial refit programme on board the Azamara Quest cruise ship.,The project will take place in Greece with ‘Azamara Forward’- representing the cruise line’s largest fleetwide renovation to date. It is designed to thoughtfully elevate the onboard experience while honouring the hallmarks that have long defined the brand. The initiative includes a range of ship-wide enhancements, from refreshed staterooms and redesigned public spaces to new dining concepts and reimagined social venues. Debuting exclusively aboard Azamara Quest is an entirely new Penthouse Deck. Delivered by MJM Marine, this will feature 12 new suites, marking a significant expansion for the ship.,This latest contract builds on MJM Marine’s previous work with the brand, most notably the refit of Azamara Pursuit in Belfast in 2018. At the time, this represented one of the largest and most complex cruise ship refits undertaken in the city; reinforcing Belfast’s capability as a centre for high-value marine projects.,Now under new ownership Azamara Cruises continues to invest in its fleet, which currently comprises four ships. The decision to partner again with MJM Marine reflects the strength of the relationship established during earlier projects, and the confidence in MJM’s delivery capability.,The agreement was finalised in Newry, Northern Ireland, and formally announced at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.,“This partnership with MJM Marine reflects our commitment to thoughtfully evolving the Azamara Cruises experience while delivering the highest-quality enhancements for our guests,”said Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises. “Their deep understanding of our brand and our standards made them the natural choice to support the Azamara Forward programme. Together, we are excited to bring the next phase of our fleet’s transformation to life, creating new spaces that will deepen connection to both the ship and the destinations our guests explore.”,Gary Annett, CEO, MJM Marine added, “We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Azamara Cruises on this significant Azamara Forward programme for ‘Quest’. Our previous work together in Belfast on the ‘Pursuit’ established a strong foundation, upon which to build. This latest investment with MJM is a clear reflection of the trust built between both teams. It also allows us to continue to recruit and offer further employment opportunities in this growing sector. We look forward to delivering a successful outcome and helping bring Azamara Forward to life.”,The project will further strengthen MJM Marine’s position within the global cruise sector, supporting its continued growth across international shipyard locations. For information about career opportunities associated with this and other international projects, please log onto mjmmarine.com.,,Photo Caption,1st Row L-R,Mark Jackson, Pre-Construction Director, MJM Marine, Gary Annett, CEO, MJM Marine, Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO, Azamara Cruises, Naoimh McConville, Group Managing Director - The Rathbane Group, Fiona Nevin, Head of Global Business Development, MJM Marine, Martha Brabham, Vice President, Design & Revitalisation, Azamara Cruises.,2nd Row L-R,Dan Hanrahan, Chairman, Azamara Cruises and Advisor to Sycamore Cruises, Brian McConville CBE, Chairman, The  Rathbane Group, Minas Miliaras, Head of Marine and New Build, Azamara Cruises, Ralph Schipani, Managing Director,  Sycamore Partners, Mark McAleer, Contracts Director, MJM Marine. MJM Marine is a Rathbane Group company.,,,                                                                     

MJM Marine Charity Golf Day 2025 – A Resounding Success in Support of Women’s Aid Armagh Down

MJM Marine was proud to host its annual Charity Golf Day on Friday, 4th July 2025, at the esteemed Warrenpoint Golf Club, in support of our Charity Partner, Women’s Aid Armagh Down.,The event brought together nearly 100 participants, including employees, sponsors, and supporters, all united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse. The day was marked by a spirit of generosity, community, and purpose, with each team demonstrating both enthusiasm on the course and dedication to the cause.,We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the golfers who participated with such energy and goodwill, our valued sponsors, including our Gold Sponsors, whose support was instrumental in the success of the event, the team at Warrenpoint Golf Club for their warm hospitality and excellent facilities, the dedicated staff at Women’s Aid Armagh Down, particularly Eileen and her team, for their tireless and vital work and the MJM Marine team for their outstanding organisation and commitment to delivering a seamless and impactful event.,This year’s Golf Day not only raised essential funds but also reinforced our ongoing partnership with Women’s Aid Armagh Down and our commitment to supporting vulnerable members of our community.,We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. Together, we are driving positive change and helping to create safer futures for those who need it most.,

Launch of Mini Navigators

We are proud to have launched a pilot ‘Mini Navigators’ programme with three local schools. ,The initiative for children aged 10-11 gives young people a practical project which introduces them to the skills required to pursue a variety of careers on their doorstep with a local business. We have an existing student engagement programme ‘The Navigate Programme’ which delivers graduate, placement, Higher Level Apprentices (HLA), Apprentices and Work Experience opportunities. Mini Navigators seeks to extend this programme to younger people in Primary schools to inspire future career choices. ,Our Director of People and Governance Elizabeth O'Connor said, “It is very important for people of all ages to know that careers which allow you to travel the world; and be involved in really exciting, multi-million-pound projects are available in Newry. ,We want to inspire the next generation to think about their future career and where it could take them. We are investing in digital transformation and the latest technology for people interested in these roles; while there are opportunities open from Joinery, Quantity Surveying to Project Management. There really is something for every interest and ability.” ,Elizabeth continued, “Our Mini Navigators programme allows us to get out initially to young people in Drumilly, Burren and Annaclone and talk to them about future opportunities related to the type of things they enjoy doing.” ,During the Mini Navigators session, Primary 7s are tasked with an activity which involves the students building a bridge, which allows for our cruise ship model to pass through. This interactive model was created inhouse by our current joinery apprentices. The teams must design and cost the bridge and deliver a solution within the timeframe. This fun, interactive activity is designed to make them think about which skillset they most enjoy within the group. ,We are currently recruiting for a number of new roles. Details are available on ourwebsite mjmmarine.com  ,,