A&P Falmouth has won a major contract to repair the Grimaldi Lines’ vessel Grande Atlantico and, according to the yard’s managing director Peter Child, another two ships from the company could be stemmed in the coming weeks.

“We have the Grande Atlantico due next week for dry-docking in Number 2 dry-dock. The company is currently in talks with Grimaldi regarding another two vessels,” said Mr Child.

The A&P Group and Grimaldi have enjoyed an important relationship for more than a decade with in excess of 50 ships being docked or repaired, many of them here in Falmouth.

Grande Atlantico, a 56,000-ton roll-on roll-off vessel, is currently on a voyage from West African ports to Falmouth. The vessel first came to the docks in 2003 as part of a three-ship contract.

Grimaldi Group Naples is one of the world’s largest privately owned shipping companies. The group was established more than 50 years ago in Italy by the Grimaldi family, who are still active in the company, and has expanded to become one of the leading operators of specialist liner services covering the entire Atlantic and Mediterranean range.

The group was one of the pioneers of the roll-on roll-off concept and currently has one of the largest and most modern fleets of purpose built RoRo and multi-purpose RoRo vessels in the world.

It has made a point to remain at the forefront of maritime technology.