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Kleven bags Hurtigruten polar exploration vessels contract

Norwegian shipyard Kleven has inked an order to build two polar-class exploration vessels for Hurtigruten, plus options for two more.

Marcus Hand, Editor

July 12, 2016

1 Min Read
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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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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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