CONTRACTS worth millions of pounds have been won by Hampshire marine outfitters, MSC Europe in a series of deals, both in the UK and abroad.

A major £2m contract to totally refit a five-star, ultra-luxurious river cruiser has just been completed and another project, this time worth a total of £5m, is now under way in Malta.

These are the latest in a series of wide-ranging refits undertaken by the Calmore company, the subject of a management buy-out in 2003 by managing director, John Wood and operations director, Chris Rogers.

With a bulging order book reaching far into next year, MSC, which employs about 300 staff, was established in 1998 and includes cruise lines, ferry companies, oil rig operators and super-yacht manufacturers amongst its customers.

Last month the company raised its profile even higher with a brand new exhibition stand at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, now established as the main global meeting place for cruise line executives and suppliers, in Miami, Florida.

Craig McCoo, the outfitter's operations manager, said: "As Southampton's reputation within the cruise industry increases, many shipping lines now recognise that the city is home to companies staffed by highly skilled craftsmen who can offer a top class service in all aspects of refitting.'' Next week the company will showcase its skills when the revamped river cruiser, the 61 metre, Silver Sturgeon, is officially unveiled in London following the nine-week refit.

"Our stainless steel production centre in Bristol fabricated new sections, the galley was completely upgraded, two bars were totally refurbished and a new external bar was built on the vessel's sun deck,'' said Mr McCoo.

"Another major project we are about to start is for Celebrity Cruises on board its vessel, Zenith, which will be dry docked at Grand Bahamas' shipyard in Nassau.

"We will send a team to restyle and upgrade the entire pool deck, including the swimming complex, grill bar, cafe, gymnasium and whirlpools.

"Significant work will be carried out on the deck using people from our joinery, steel modification, marble and soft furnishings as well as electrical departments.

"All pieces for the refit will be produced at the Southampton factory and shipped over to Nassau in containers.'' Another MSC team is at present in Malta where they are converting two submersible barges into heavy-lift vessels for use in supplying oil rigs or carrying other vessels.

Besides work for the Isle of Wight ferry company, Wightlink, MSC is also undertaking refit work for P&O's fleet of vessels.

To cope with growing demand, last year MSC moved its soft furnishings and upholstery division into a new 6,000 square feet building close to the company's head office at Calmore Industrial Estate.