The Aker Kvaerner Group News

January-September 2003. and a net sales of EUR 625 million (4.930 MNOK). increased by 10,7%. period of 2002. Eloranta, President and CEO of Kvaerner Masa-Yards. "In September 2003 Kvaerner Masa-Yards and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 2006, the Ultra Voyager. have seen in 2002 and 2003," continued Jorma Eloranta.

Not all stability software is made equal. Even if all commonly available stability programs were of the same quality, virtually all of them are designed first and foremost for conventional vessels - and it's no secret that the unique characteristics of offshore platforms demand capabilities not usually required for ships. Rig stability is a very critical issue, and it can also be quite complex. What rig operators need is software that can constantly monitor and predict stability in any combination of circumstances; but what they don't need is an interface as complex as the problem. Enter Autoload Rig. Only recently released, yet already installed on more then 15 platforms, Autoload has also been chosen for the biggest floating rig ever built: Thunderhorse.

DeepStar, a group consisting of 10 leading deepwater operators, has awarded Aker Kvaerner a contract for a study to develop a semisubmersible production platform for use in coming ultra-deepwater field developments. The study was won in competition with a number of deepwater floater expertise contractors, and Aker Kvaerner was awarded the contract based on the company's leading experience with deepwater floaters. DeepStar wants to get a credible solution for future developments in ultra-deep water depths down to 10 000 feet. In addition to the development of the floating platform itself, the scope includes other critical aspects such as design of the risers that will bring the oil and gas from the well to the surface. It also includes installation methods for mooring systems and risers.

Aker Kvaerner Netherlands B.V., part of the Aker Kvaerner Group, has received a letter of intent, based on Contract Terms currently being finalised, to perform Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management Services (EPCm) for major BP Petrochemical and Refining sites in Germany. Under this contract Aker Kvaerner will perform Engineering, Procurement services and Construction Management services for small and medium size projects at the BP sites in Gelsenkirchen, Köln, and Marl with an option for Lingen also to participate. The duration for this agreement is five years with the possibility of further extension in terms of locations and duration. "This is an important and strategic frame agreement for Aker Kvaerner," says Jarle Tautra, executive vice president in Aker Kvaerner.

Aker Kvaerner Netherlands B.V., trading as AK Process, and part of the Aker Kvaerner Group, has become the first EPC contractor in the Netherlands to be certified by Lloyd's Register as a qualified manufacturer under the European Pressure Equipment Directive. A key benefit of the certification is that it will enable a significant reduction in the involvement of Notified Bodies in assessment and inspection during the engineering and construction phases of projects. As Wim van der Zande, President of AK Process, confirms, "This certification represents an important step in our drive to be a leading centre of project execution excellence for our industry. A core element of our management systems is to ensure proper quality levels on our delivered projects.

AK Engineering Services, part of the Aker Kvaerner group, has secured a multi-million pound contract to service two major onshore facilities for BP in the UK. The work will be performed by personnel from the firm's Stockton facility and from sister organisations in Aberdeen and Solent over the next three years. The scope of work covers the provision of engineering, modifications and maintenance services at BP's Wytch Farm production and transport facility in Dorset, and at the BP CATS (Central Area Transmission System) gas terminal on Teesside, North East England. The contract includes three further two-year extension options. Around 150 personnel from the three locations will be employed on the project.

Aker Marine Contractors, part of the Aker Kvaerner group, has entered into an agreement with Taubåtkompaniet AS securing full marketing and operational control over the specialized offshore construction vessels "Boa Deep C" and "Boa Deep C II". The agreement runs for five years with options for extensions up to four more years, and is expected to significantly enhance the company's position in the deep water subsea and floating production markets. The new agreement builds on the positive results achieved following Aker Marine Contractor's introduction of "Boa Deep C" in May 2004 on contracts for Statoil, Woodside and Modec. The vessel has since its introduction seen almost full utilization, and is currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico.

Scandinavian passenger ship operators have specified Evac vacuum toilet and waste treatment for their latest newbuildings from Aker Kvaerner group yards in Finland. The 33,000gt/1,800-passenger vessel ordered by Birka Line from Aker Finnyards - dubbed the ‘Floating Caribbean’ - is designed to set new standards of year-round cruising in the Baltic after delivery in autumn 2004. An extensive range of accommodation and amenities spread over eight decks of the 11-deck ship will include a whole deck dedicated to passenger recreation and a large Spa area decorated with palms. Operating in the Baltic dictates a high priority on environmental friendliness in the design and equipment specification…