The contract comprises delivery of a complete electric power generating plant, switchboard and frequency converters for 18 Mega Watt propulsion system for the offshore service vessel "Normand Installer".

"Normand Installer" will be an advanced offshore service vessel, which includes one of the world's largest diesel electric propulsion engines. The vessel is designed by Vik-Sandvik AS, Fitjar, Norway, and will be built by Ulstein Verft shipyard. The vessel is owned and run by Solstad Shipping, Skudeneshavn, Norway and Single Buoy Moorings, based in Monaco.

The vessel's six diesel engines yield more than 30,000 horse power and will have a bollard pull of 275 tons. "A vessel equipped with this much power will only utilise its capacity in a few operations. Diesel electric propulsion is chosen due to it's great savings on fuel and it's flexibility when using installed power for different purposes, " says Mr. Ove H. Wilhelmsen, Sales Manager of Aker Kvaerner Power and Automation Systems.

Aker Kvaerner Power and Automation Systems, a subsidiary of Aker Kvaerner Elektro, was established on January 1, 2004. 

"We have spent several million Euros on developing our own frequency converters, and it is a great satisfaction for us to win this contract in a fierce international competition," says Mr. Arne Birkeland, President of Aker Kværner Power and Automation Systems.

"There has been low activity at Norwegian shipyards during the last two years. However, it seems that the market is now picking up, and it is encouraging that we are competitive in this tough business," continues Mr. Birkeland.

Switchboards and frequency converters will be built at the company's factory in Grunnavåg, Stord, Norway. The contract with the Ulstein Verft shipyard brings work for engineers and electricians util 2006.

 

For further information, please contact:
Arne Birkeland, President  - mobile +47 977 15 013
Ove H. Wilhelmsen, Sales Manager - mobile +47 911 61345

 

AKER KVÆRNER 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 span a number of industries, including Oil & Gas production, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately USD 4.5 billion and employs around 21,000 employees in more than 30 countries.

 

MMO Europe (Maintenance, Modifications and Operations) is responsible for the Aker Kvaerner's MMO competencies and capacities, serving the Norwegian and UK Continental Shelf, and supporting selected international initiatives. The core competencies are turn-key deliveries offshore modifications, long term on- and offshore modification and maintenance contracts, inspection, operation and operations support, offshore removal and de-construction and subsurface advisory. MMO Europe has approximately 6,000 employees, including 2,600 engineers.

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