Viking-Line gibt Bau ein. neuen Schiffes i.Auftrag

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Aker Yards gets ship order from Viking Line
Tallink listed on Tallinn Stock Exchange in effort to boost capital



The passenger shipping line Viking Line and the shipbuilder Aker Finnyards have signed a letter of intent for the construction of a new large passenger vessel.
The shp is to be ready for delivery in January 2008. Viking Line says that the agreement also contains options for two more vessels. The order is worth between EUR 110 and 130 million.

The Åland-based Viking Line has said previously that it is not interested in buying ships now owned by Silja Line. Viking Line CEO Nils-Erik Eklund says that none of Silja’s ships would be a long-term boost to Viking’s operations.
Silja’s owner, the British-American company Sea Containers, announced early this month that it would sell Silja to the highest bidder.

Meanwhile, the Estonian shipping line Tallink announced on Monday that it would become listed on the Tallinn Stock Exchange. The company said that the reason for the move was that it wanted to make new investments.
Tallink has experienced powerful growth since 1996.
Aker Finnyards is currently building a new cruise ship for Tallink, which is scheduled for delivery next year, as well as a high-speed vessel, which will be ready in 2007.
Tallink has ordered another high-speed vessel from the Italian Fincantieri shipbuilder, which should be ready in 2008. In addition, the company is building a spa hotel in Tallinn, which is scheduled to open next year.

There has been intense speculation this autumn that Tallink might consider bidding for Silja Line. Tallink CEO Enn Pant confirmed in a television interview on Monday that the company was interested in Silja, but added that no decisions had been made. He said that he first wants to know exactly what is being sold, and under what conditions.