STX France to build two Mistral class helicopter carriers for Russia

19-06-2011

The signature of a contract for two Mistral class helicopter carriers (LHDs), and associated services, between DCNS and the Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport took place in St. Petersburg on 17 June 2011.

STX France will undertake the construction of the ships at its Saint-Nazaire shipyard under a subcontract with DCNS. The Russian shipbuilder OSK will provide part of the hull of both ships.

The first ship will be delivered to Russia in 2014 and the second LHD will be delivered in 2015. The vessels will have a length of 199 meters, a displacement of 22,000 tons and a speed in excess of 18 knots. Previously, STX France and DCNS have built three Mistral class LHDs for the French Navy. Mistral and Tonnerre were delivered to the French Navy in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The third LHD, Dixmude, is currently being built by DCNS and STX France and is scheduled for delivery in 2011.

STX France SA is a subsidiary of STX Europe AS, an international shipbuilding group which aims to be the leading builder of cruise vessels, ferries and other specialized vessels. STX Europe AS is also the majority shareholder in STX OSV Holdings Limited listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The group has a strong position in terms of developing state-of-the-art concepts, technology, processes and products for customers around the world. STX Europe comprises 6 shipyards in Finland, France and Norway in addition to 9 shipyards belonging to STX OSV Holdings Limited. STX Europe Group has approximately 15 000 employees. See: www.stxeurope.com

STX Europe's principal shareholder is the Korean based international industrial group STX Business Group which has approximately 54 000 employees and aims to be a global top player in its core areas; shipping and trade, shipbuilding and machineries, plant and construction, and energy.

STX Europe ASA