Aker Yards to build two ice-going container ships for Royal Arctic Line

20.2.2008

Aker Yards has been awarded a contract by Royal Arctic Line A/S in Nuuk (Greenland / Denmark) to build two ice-going container ships for arctic operation. The contract confirms Aker Yards' position as the global leader within specialized container ships and of vessels designed to operate in the growing market for ship transport in arctic conditions. The total contract value is abt. EUR 80 million. Einar Brønlund, President of Aker Yards Germany stated: "We are very pleased to establish a new relationship with Royal Arctic Line by building these highly specialized vessels."

The ships are especially designed for traffic between ports in Greenland and transatlantic destinations. Delivery by Aker Yards Germany is scheduled in the second and third quarter of 2010.

The two new ships are of the type Aker ACS 587 which fulfils the latest international demands. Both vessels have high ice class 1A*, and are 113.0 m long and 22.7 m wide. The basic design was developed by Royal Arctic Line A/S according to their needs in the arctic environment. With deadweight of 8,550 t the ships have a total container stowage capacity of 587 TEU each with 237 reefer sockets (FEU) of which 130 reefer containers can be transported in holds. With a main engine (MAN B&W 6S46MC-C) output of 7,860 kW and a controllable pitch propeller plant they reach a speed of 15.3 knots. The ships will be equipped with a bow and stern thruster of 780 kW each and two cranes with a capacity of 45 t SWL at 29.8 m each.

Tom Einertsen, President of the Business Area Merchant Vessels, states in a comment: "This contract together with our current order book of four ice-braking container / cargo vessels is supporting the long term strategy of the Business Area Merchant Vessels to become a leading provider of sea transportation solutions for Arctic waters."

Fast facts:
Vessel Type: Aker ACS 587, ice-going container ship for arctic operation
Yard: Aker Yards Germany
Length and beam: 113.0 m long and 22.7 m wide, 8,550 t deadweight
Containers: 587 TEU with 237 FEU reefer sockets
Engine and performance: 2-stroke main engine of 7,860 kW
Service speed: 15.3 knots
Design: Aker ACS 587 by Aker Yards


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 18 yards in Brazil, Finland , France, Germany, Norway, Romania, Ukraine and Vietnam. Aker Yards has approximately 21,000 employees.

Source: Aker Yards