Kleven to build Hurtigruten's new polar exploration vessels.
Kleven has signed a contract with Hurtigruten for two polar-class expedition vessels to be built at Kleven Verft in Ulsteinvik, Norway. The contract also includes an option for further two vessels.
The contract was announced 7 July 2016, with the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, present at the yard, along with Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten.
The first of the 140 meter vessel is to be delivered in July 2018, with the next following in July 2019.
"These ships will turn heads," said Hurtigrutens CEO Daniel Skjeldam. The vessels are designed by Rolls-Royce, and customized for expedition travel as well as sailing the Norwegian coast.
Hurtigruten has looked at a dozen international yards before choosing Kleven.
"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," Ståle Rasmussen, CEO of Kleven, said.
““It means a lot to us that the new ships will be built along the same route we sail every day.”
Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten.”
