Russia orders four more from Aker

Aker Yards has signed a contract with the large Russian mining company Norilsk Nickel for delivery of four container/cargo ships for arctic operations, with an option for a fifth newbuilding. This order has a total value of approximately $400 million for four vessels and follows Norilsk Nickel’s recent deployment of the first vessel of this type, Norilskiy Nickel. The newly contracted vessels are scheduled for delivery from Aker Yards’ German shipyards from the third quarter of 2008 through the first quarter of 2009.

These highly specialized 14,500 dwt 650 TEU container/cargo vessels traverse ice-covered seas without icebreaker assistance, thanks to their double-acting hull form and propulsion system developed and patented by Aker Yards. When crossing waters with heavy ice conditions, the vessel moves stern-first to break its way through ice 1.5 meters thick. When sailing in light ice conditions or open waters, the vessel moves ahead bow-first. The Norilsk Nickel vessels are powered by a podded, azimuthing propulsion system.

The 169 metre long and 23.1 metre wide vessels can navigate Arctic Ocean routes unassisted year-round and will be contracted by Norilsk Nickel to transport metallurgical products from Dudinka, on the Yenisey river, to Murmansk.