Bore's Norstream Christened At Aker Finnyards
Aker Finnyards' newbuilding No. 425, the 11,500-dwt RoRo carrier for the Dutch company Bore Stream BV was recently christened Norstream by Ann von Rettig. P&O North Sea Ferries will operate the vessel, which began regular service between Continental Europe and the U.K. on the Zeebrugge-Tessport route in October. The vessel is designed mainly for transporting trailers, trucks and containers providing fast unloading and loading, and is also equipped with two stern ramps. Measuring 591 ft. (180 m), with a beam of 83 ft. (25.2 m) and draft of 21 ft. (6.5 m), the vessel moves at a speed of 20 knots powered by two medium-speed diesel engines at 18,900 kW. Norstream's sistership Norsky was delivered to the Bore Company this past June.
AKER FINNYARDS
Based in Rauma, Aker Finnyards recent history is indicative of the changes, which continue to sweep the Finnish maritime scene. Finnyards is owned 100 percent by Norwegian interests, part of Aker Yards, an international shipbuilding group comprising Aker Finnyards together with a German and two Norwegian shipyard groups. Aker Yards is owned by Aker RGI. Aker Finnyards' main activities are construction of specialized ships, vessels for oil and gas production and heavy offshore structures. While the shipyard's reign under Norwegian rule is relatively short, its experience and accrued expertise spans many decades and includes more than 1,500 ships built — both long series and extremely demanding one-offs.
