Fjord1 to order gas ferries from Aker

Aker Yards has signed a LOI with Fjord1 to build five gas powered ferries with delivery scheduled for second half of 2006. The value of the contract is approximately $193 million.

The world’s first gas powered ferry, Glutra, was delivered from Aker Yards in 2000. The five new ferries will service important routes in Hordaland and Rogaland on the West coast of Norway. The hulls will be built at Aker Tulcea in Romania, and will be outfitted at Aker Brattvaag’s yards in Norway.

Mr. Roy Reite, Executive Vice President in Aker Yards stated in a comment: “This contract is strategically important to Aker Yards, as our technology and innovative competence again has been appreciated. The gas powered ferries represent an environmentally friendly solution, by using new technology and innovative solutions.”

The vessels are designed by LMG Marin in Bergen, and will be 129.50 metres long and 19.2 metres wide.