HAMPSHIRE suppliers are being called on to help a Southampton firm that has just opened a base in the city.

As part of an ongoing agreement to provide maintenance on board P&O cruise ships, Mivan has just opened an office in Southampton with the creation of five posts.

From there it will be coordinating the work for ships such as Azura, Adonia, Ventura and Arcadia, and is looking for local suppliers to work with.

General manager Kevin Lock said: “The Southampton base will help the company to further service the ongoing maintenance and interiors requirements of our cruise ship clients.

"We look forward to the prospect of working with local suppliers on the south coast of England that can offer solutions for cruise ship maintenance contracts.”

Mivan delivered more than £10m to the cruise ship outfitting market during 2011 and has a 2012 order book of more than £3.5m.

Other Mivan clients include Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Crystal Cruises and Pullmantur Cruises.

The Southampton office adds to Mivan’s other UK offices in London and Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The company employs more than 350 staff globally.

If you are a local tradesperson please contact Mivan’s Southampton office at Millbrook Road East on 023 8023 2515 or email Christine May at Christine.may@mivan.com.