Aker to build Trailer Ropax

Aker Yards and the French company Brittany Ferries have signed a contract for the building of a ropax vessel worth EUR 80 million for delivery in autumn 2007. The contract includes an option of a similar vessel. The vessel will be delivered from the yard in Helsinki, while the blocks will be fabricated mainly in Rauma. "Having delivered two car ferries for Brittany Ferries in the beginning of the 1990`s, we are now very pleased to renew our relationship with the company", said Yrjö Julin, President of Aker Finnyards and responsible for Cruise & Ferries in Aker Yards. The trailer ropax is designed to carry road cargo vehicles between France and The United Kingdom at a speed of 23 knots. The 165 m long and 26.8 m wide vessel has 2.2 kilometres of vehicle deck space and 120 cabins. The contract is subject to final confirmation of buyers financing.