Kvaerner Pulping AB, part of the Aker Kvaerner group, will under the new contracts provide engineering, procurement and supervision services for the German and Brazilian clients. The contract for Södra Cell Värö in Sweden also includes construction services.

"Modernising existing equipment is a cost-efficient way to improve a pulp mill. These orders demonstrate that we are successful in delivering innovative solutions that improve our customers' products, productivity and profitability," says Per-Åke Färnstrand, President of Kvaerner Pulping.

The order for Södra Cell Värö, Sweden, comprises a modernisation of the existing brown stock washing system and includes the supply and installation of Kvaerner Pulping's patented Compact Press. The modernisation aims to improve washing performance which will contribute to a better production yield at the mill. Start-up is scheduled for March 2006.

SCA Mannheim has ordered a new bleach plant, including medium consistency equipment and two Compact Press units. This in order to improve quality and enable further closure of water cycles improving environmental performance at the mill. The Compact Press units are a repeat order, with two units from Kvaerner Pulping previously installed in 2003. The new bleach plant will be started up in June 2006.

To improve washing efficiency, Mercer Rosenthal has ordered an upgrade of their mill's existing brown stock washing system. The upgrade comprises a Kvaerner Pulping Compact Press and a pressure diffuser. Both will be used as post-oxygen washers and will among other things replace old wash filters, delivering environmental benefits through reductions in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Start-up is scheduled for June 2006.

International Paper has ordered a modernisation of the bleach plant, including a Compact Press, at their Brazilian Mogi Guaçu mill. The modernisation will ready the plant for production of elemental chlorine-free pulp and prepare for a future capacity increase. Start-up is scheduled for November 2006.

ENDS

 

For further information please contact:

 

Media:
Anders Thorén, Communications Manager, Kvaerner Pulping. Tel: +46 54 19 47 66, Mob: +46 703 55 64 22

 

Investor relations:
Lasse Torkildsen, Vice President, Aker Kvaerner, Group Comms. Tel: +47 67 51 30 39

 

AKER KVAERNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner comprises several industries, including Oil & Gas, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. The Aker Kvaerner group is organised into two principal business streams, namely Oil & Gas and E&C, each consisting of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kvaerner ASA. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 35.6 billion and employs approximately 22,000 people in more than 30 countries.

 

Kvaerner Pulping is a leading supplier of machines, process systems and service to the world-wide pulp and paper industry. Kvaerner Pulping, with headquarters in Karlstad, Sweden, has 630 employees in 12 countries around the world. Kvaerner Pulping is committed to continuously improving its customers' products, productivity and profitability through the delivery of innovative technical solutions. Kvaerner Pulping offers the full range of engineering, procurement and construction services, from single machines to complete fiberlines and white liquor plants.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com