Royal Arctic Line has commissioned the building of two new sister ships to the ‘Mary Arctica’

The chairman of the board of directors of Royal Arctic Line, Martha Labansen states: - Over the last few years we have had to charter extra tonnage in order to handle the increasing volumes of freight. Therefore we are very pleased that we have now reached agreement with Aker Yards Germany so that in just two years we will be able to launch two new container ships, specially constructed for Arctic waters.

Aker Yards are experts in building special tonnage. Einar Brønlund, who is President of Aker Yards Germany, says: - We are very pleased to have established this co-operation with Royal Arctic Line over the building of these two new and highly specialized ships.

The two ice class ships, which will be built at Aker Yards shipyard in Wismar in Germany, will have one of the highest specifications for icy waters. They will be 113 m long and 22.7 m wide. The concept for the ships has been developed completely by Royal Arctic Line, and just like the Mary Arctica they will be designed to call at all the largest ports, including Qaqortoq and Ilulissat, where extra care has to be taken as regards draught and length.

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.

Aker Yards ASA is an international group of companies building special tonnage. The group has particular strengths in innovation, product range, technology, experience and capacity. The group has 18 shipyards in Germany, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Rumania, Ukraine and Vietnam. Aker Yards employ about 21,000 people. Also visit http://www.akeryards.com/

For further information please contact the C.E.O. of Royal Arctic Line A/S Jens Andersen on +299 34 91 00 or/and the Fleet Manager of Royal Arctic Line A/S, Jens Boye on phone no. +45 9930 3204.