Aker Yards to Build Two for NCL
Aker Yards is to build two cruise vessels for Norwegian Cruise Line, with an option for a third. The total value of the two vessels is $1.8b. The vessels will be delivered from the recently acquired yard in Saint Nazaire in 2009 and 2010. This is the first contract announced since Aker Yards became the owner of the yard in Saint Nazaire. The vessels will carry up to 6,400 people onboard including crew, and have 2,100 passenger cabins giving 4,200 passenger berths. The new ships will include the feature that 100% of outside staterooms will have private balconies. In total, the ship will have over 1,470 balcony staterooms and suites. It will be 1,066 ft., (which is approximately the height of the Eiffel Tower), $131.2, and have a gross tonnage of approximately 150,000.
Aker Yards and Alstom Complete Transaction
Aker Yards and ALSTOM announced on January 4 the intention to join forces in shipbuilding. The transaction was concluded during a signature ceremony in Paris May 31. Reference is made to the company disclosure dated January 4 in respect of the establishment of a new company consisting of ALSTOM's shipyards in Saint-Nazaire and Lorient. All the necessary approvals from authorities have now been received, and all other conditions have been lifted. In connection with the closing of the transaction the new company has received a committed offer of 550m Euro in construction financing to finish its current backlog of cruise ships. The financing is underwritten by a syndicate of four international banks.
