STX OSV nets order for three stern trawlers

STX OSV Holdings Limited  has secured new contracts for the design and construction of three advanced stern trawlers for Aker Seafoods ASA. The total contract value is approximately NOK 750 million (about $135 million). 

The diesel electric twin screw trawler vessels will be of STX OSV’s own FV 01 design, and will be approximately 70 meters long with a deadweight of 1,500 tons. The hulls will be built and partly outfitted at STX OSV’s shipyard in Braila, Romania, and towed to Norway for final outfitting, commissioning and delivery. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between the second quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014.

The new diesel electric trawler design with twin screw solution reflects Aker Seafoods’ high focus on fuel efficiency and environmental performance. The energy efficient hull form leads to reduced fuel consumption, and is designed according to clean design requirements. The vessels are optimized for minimum energy consumption throughout the different systems and equipment on board, and equipped with catalyst technology to reduce emissions.

STX OSV Chief Executive Officer Roy Reite commented: “This series of ultramodern trawlers is the result of a long development project where we have utilized our design and shipbuilding competence from offshore shipbuilding, and Aker Seafoods has brought in their fishery expertise. We appreciate the excellent cooperation with Aker Seafoods, and we are very pleased that this innovative shipowner has placed new contracts with STX OSV.”

STX OSV, including its predecessor companies, has extensive experience in building fishing trawlers and other vessels for the fishing fleet. The vessels for Aker Seafoods will be the first in this market segment of STX OSV’s own design, broadening the company’s product offering in the specialized vessels segment. 

Aker Seafoods is listed on the Norwegian stock exchange, and is one of Norway’s leading producers and exporters of white fish products. The company currently has a fleet of eleven trawlers.

Aker Seafoods says the vessels will replace three older trawlers that are planned to be sold. It has not yet decided which three vessels will be replaced.

September 19, 2011