Aker Finnyards Sign Contract to Build New Cruise Vessel

Aker Finnyards and Birka Line have signed a contract for the building of a 1,800 passenger cruise vessel. The worth ca $ 155.2 million vessel to be delivered in 2004. The 581-ft. vessel fulfils two very new classification criteria: DNV`s Clean Design rule defining several environmental solutions as to the ship structures, and the Comfort Class rule securing a noiseless and vibration free environment for the passengers. In addition, the vessel of course complies with the same environmental quality standards as the already sailing Birka Princess, i.e. equipped with catalyzers and closed sewage treatment systems, with atoxic bottom painting etc. A novelty is also the energy saving automation in the cabins, which for the time being has been seen in some hotels.

The cruise ship designed mainly for year around service in the Baltic Sea comprises eleven decks, of which five are dedicated to passenger accommodation and three for the passenger public spaces: conference area, dance lounge, several restaurants and bars, casino, shopping area, children's playroom etc. Birka Line Abp situated in Mariehamn, Åland is registered on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and operates since 31 years passengers transportation between the ports of Stockholm and Mariehamn. More information of the company at: www.birkaline.com Aker Finnyards in Rauma has extensive experience in the building of ropax ferries. During the last ten years the yard has built fifteen passenger ferries, the recent ones having been of cruise ship standard. There are also five cruise vessels in the yard`s reference list, among them the twin hull SWATH “Radisson Diamond”.