Aker Wins Six-vessel Order for New Yard in Vietnam

Aker Yards has entered into a contract with Aker Capital for building of six Anchor Handling Supply Vessels at Aker Yards' new shipyard in Vietnam. The value of the contract is approximately NOK 1.5 billion.

"We are very pleased by this contract as it confirms our strategy to offer state of the art offshore vessels from our new yard in Vietnam to meet the increased demand in the Asian offshore market" said Roy Reite, President Offshore & Specialized Vessels in Aker Yards. "This contract is ideal to chase learning curve and develop the yard going forward. Being able to create new business with Aker after leaving the Aker group confirms the strong business potential between our companies regardless of ownership."

The vessels are Anchor Handling Supply Vessels, based on the Aker Yards design AH 08. The first delivery is scheduled in 2010, and the sixth in 2012, final delivery date to be confirmed and adjusted according to the construction of the new shipyard in Vietnam. There is also an agreed-upon option with the potential to build another six vessels.

Environmentally friendly technology with a focus on low fuel consumption and meeting the Clean Design standard are key characteristics. The vessels will have a bollard pull in excess of 145 tons and will be outfitted with a winch of 350 tons.

Aker Yards ASA is an international shipbuilding group focusing on sophisticated vessels. The group has a strong position both in terms of innovation, product range, technology, experience and capacity. The product range includes cruise vessels & ferries, merchant vessels, offshore & specialized vessels. Aker Yards comprises 17 yards in Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Romania and Ukraine. Aker Yards has approximately 20,000 employees.