Rolls Royce wins polar cruise ship contract

JULY 18, 2016 — Norway’s Hurtigruten and Kleven have now converted a letter of intent that they signed back in April (see earlier story) into a firm contract. As a result, Rolls-Royce has signed a contract worth about £25 million (about $30.5 million) with Kleven under which it will supply the shipbuilder with the design and ship equipment for two new polar cruise vessels, with an option for two additional vessels.

The first of the 140 meter vessel is to be delivered in July 2018, with the next following in July 2019.

“The ships soon about to take shape in the docks of Kleven will be striking,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam. “They will attract interest to both the Norwegian shipbuilding industry and to Hurtigruten as a leading player within the field of explorer tourism. To me, this contract is proof of the combined innovation powers of Norway’s maritime industry and the country’s growing tourism industry. Together we are providing growth along the long and beautiful Norwegian coastline.”

Helge Gjerde, Director of Offshore and Merchant Solutions, Rolls-Royce, said: “Hurtigruten and Kleven have agreed to build state-of the art passenger vessels, and Rolls-Royce will provide some of the most innovative ship technology on the market today. I’m confident that these new polar cruise vessels will bring the proud heritage of the Hurtigruten into a similarly proud future.”

In addition to ship design, featuring a wave piercing bow, Rolls-Royce will supply an integrated package of technology and equipment. Among the deliveries will be the Rolls-Royce Unified Bridge, which represents a complete redesign of the ship bridge environment. Consoles, levers and software interfaces will have a common look and feel, resulting in a more comfortable, clutter-free and ultimately more safe and efficient working environment for the captain and the team on the bridge.