Kleven bags Hurtigruten polar exploration vessels contract

The contract signing, on 7 July was witnessed by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

The vessels will be built at Kleven Verft in Ulsteinvik, Norway and are due for delivery July 2018 and 2019. The order from Hurtigruten has options for two more vessels.

The 140 metre vessels are to be built to a design by Rolls-Royce which is customized for expedition travel.

"These ships will turn heads," said Hurtigruten ceo Daniel Skjeldam.

Financial details of the deal were not revealed but it is understood to be the largest investment in Hurtigruten’s history.

The contract is a shot in the arm for Kleven during difficult times for Norway’s marine industries. Kleven was competing with a dozen yards for the contract.

"We belong to a part of Norwegian industry that is undergoing a challenging period of major restructuring. This project ensures value creation and jobs for years to come. We look forward to getting started," said Ståle Rasmussen, ceo of Kleven.

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