We are launching MAKINEN In Focus, a six-part video series taking a closer look at what goes into marine interior projects. From planning and logistics to project management and execution, we’ll discuss what it takes to deliver high-quality interiors for both newbuilds and refurbishments. Along the way, we’ll cover the process, challenges, and solutions—and how everything comes together at a dry dock.

The first episode, About MAKINEN, is now live. CEO Jaakko Makikalli and President of MAKINEN Inc. Markus Makinen explain what we actually do when we deliver marine interiors—whether it’s refurbishing existing spaces, building new ones, or managing full turn-key projects.

New episodes will be released every few months, each focusing on a different aspect of marine interior projects. You can also find past videos of completed projects on our YouTube channel—subscribe to stay updated!

MAKINEN team and the CMHI shipyard are making steady progress on the seventh Infinity-class expedition vessel, SunStone Ships’ Douglas Mawson, launched in late November 2024 and set for delivery in 2025.

MAKINEN COO Ville Helenius visited the site to see the progress firsthand and gain insight into the ongoing work. The vessel, featuring Ulstein’s innovative X-BOW, will soon join the Aurora Expeditions fleet, designed for exploration in challenging environments.

The interior design is by Tomas Tillberg Design, and MAKINEN is the sole interior contractor for the entire Infinity-class vessel series, having outfitted the six previous sister ships. Work continues on Douglas Mawson as we install the interiors with the same attention to detail and quality that define the series.

In the photo, from left: Sami Leinonen, Mirna Zhou, Zhaoping Ding, Peipei Zhong, Timo Mouru, and Ville Helenius.

MAKINEN is featured in the latest edition of Business Enquirer (Issue 132). The article explores MAKINEN’s expertise in turnkey marine interiors, highlighting recent projects such as Icon of the Seas, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, and the SunStone Ships Infinity-class series.

CEO Jaakko Makikalli and Markus Makinen, President of Makinen, Inc. USA, discuss the company’s focus on precision, transparency, and delivering projects efficiently. These values have been at the heart of MAKINEN’s success over the past three decades, helping the company build a solid reputation in the marine interior industry.

The article highlights how MAKINEN’s commitment to quality and on-time delivery continues to drive its growth and global presence.

Click here to download the MAKINEN article: The Rising Demand for Marine Interior Expertise

Click here to view the full Business Enquirer  Issue 132

In April, MAKINEN completed the refurbishment of 803 cabins at the Margaritaville at Sea Islander in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The project included updates to furniture, carpet, textiles, lighting, and headboards, along with the installation of TV panels, vanity mirrors with lights, and ceiling moldings.

The production method used in the project, known as the MAKINEN Way, delivered minute-level accuracy and clear visibility throughout the process. The customer team members could easily follow the progress in real time, knowing exactly what would be done and when each batch of cabins would be ready for final inspection and handover.

“Our method eliminates guesswork by providing detailed plans before the work begins and offering our clients full transparency throughout the project,” says Jaakko Mäkikalli, CEO of MAKINEN.

The MAKINEN team was able to complete 32 cabins per day, excluding ramp-up and ramp-down time, finishing the entire project of 803 cabins in 28 days. For the customer, the process was transparent. The team coordinated material deliveries to match the pace of production, and the client could track progress easily. MAKINEN’s system also provided updates for hotel management, showing how many cabins were under renovation each day and when they would be available for use again.

“Efficiency and flexibility are key,” says Mäkikalli. “This project demonstrates our ability to adapt, scale production, and deliver results on time while maintaining our focus on quality and customer satisfaction.”

Enjoy the photos and video of the finalized cabins and see how the updates have transformed the spaces.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Jaakko Mäkikalli at jaakko.makikalli@ismakinen.com

Photos and video: Heikki Salonen Photography

The latest MAKINEN Sustainability Report, covering the financial year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, is now available. This fifth annual report highlights the company’s efforts in sustainability, focusing on progress in environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and ethical business practices across its global operations. The full report is available for download here.

“Sustainability, along with Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), is one of the focus areas of our business strategy. It influences all levels of our operations”, says Jaakko Mäkikalli, CEO of MAKINEN. “The key is that we do our part in every aspect: minimizing waste, reducing emissions, improving sourcing efficiency, and lowering our carbon footprint. At the same time, we support our customers in meeting their sustainability goals by offering services and products that align with their standards and objectives.”

MAKINEN’s sustainability focus areas are closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the reporting follows the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) standards.

For more information, please contact Chief Administrative Officer Kirsi Orava at kirsi.orava@ismakinen.com.
You can also find all previous reports on our Sustainability page.

MAKINEN will be exhibiting at the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe (CSIE) at London’s ExCel on December 4–5, 2024. Our booth is #516, where we’re ready to discuss your next cabin and public space refurbishment, marine furniture, or newbuild project for expedition vessels and cruise ships.

CSIE is a key event for the European cruise interior design industry, connecting interior suppliers with leading cruise lines, designers, and shipyards. With over 200 exhibitors, including top studios and suppliers, the event offers great opportunities for networking and insight into the latest trends and innovations in the field. Learn more about the show and register for your free pass here.

To schedule a meeting, please reach out to CEO Jaakko Mäkikalli at jaakko.makikalli@ismakinen.com

MAKINEN’s Refurbishment team has completed the enhancement of the Celebrity Constellation, focusing on updates to The Retreat, including the The Retreat lounge, Luminae, The Retreat’s private restaurant, and the Sunset Suites to further enhance both design and functionality. Executed in the MAKINEN Way, the project was led by Project Manager Mikael Karlsson, who expressed pride in the outcome:
“We are very pleased with the overall team effort and the quality of work delivered. The project reflected outstanding collaboration between all teams, and everything went smoothly and according to plan. We couldn’t be happier with how these spaces turned out. The transformation is truly impressive.”

Explore the Transformation: Dive into the stunning details of the updated interiors and the quality of workmanship with our highlights video.

MAKINEN is set to participate in the SMM Hamburg on September 4–5, 2024, the premier trade fair for the maritime industry. With over 2,000 exhibitors and approximately 40,000 visitors from around the globe, SMM is a key event in the maritime calendar.

This leading trade fair offers an excellent platform for gaining industry insights and networking with peers. Our team members Jaakko Makikalli, Mikko Makinen, and Ville Helenius will be on hand to discuss our expertise in cabin and public space refurbishment, expedition vessel interiors, and other cruise interior projects.

We look forward to connecting with industry professionals and exploring new opportunities at this significant event.