Photos: STX Europe
A
ccording to Mr. Markku Uusitalo,
Project Manager for STX, the con-
struction work of the two vessels was
awarded to STX Rauma shipyard on the
basis of a bidding competition.
“The project started on 7 August,
2008. This is when the contract for the
two vessels was signed,” Uusitalo recounts.
Last winter, STX Finland’s Rauma
shipyard was engaged in the hull construction and outfitting work of the first vessel.
“The first of the two vessels is now
nearing completion. It was floated out on
8 June, 2010. At present, the ship is still
undergoing some paintwork for the machinery compartments.”
“By autumn, the public compartments on the ship – including restaurants,
galleys and cabins – will be completed. Sea
Trial test will be carried out in October.”
The finishing touches are to be ready
by December 2010. In early January, the
ship will be delivered to the customer.
The second vessel is also under construction. Its production was started on 8
December 2009.
This ship is scheduled to be completed by September 2011. An adequate share
of blocks for the second vessel was completed by early summer of 2010 for the
Rauma shipyard to be able to lay down
the keel on 11 June, soon after the first
vessel was launched.
Mr. Uusitalo affirms that the construction of both ships is proceeding on
schedule.
An aerial view of STX Finland’s Rauma shipyard.
SHIPS DESIGNED FOR
LOW-SULPHUR FUELS
P&O Ferries is a leading ferry operator, with
a network of 10 routes linking Britain with
Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium and the
Netherlands. The company operates a fleet
of 27 multi-purpose and freight ferries and
employs 4,500 people. It is part of Ports
& Freezone World, a company ultimately owned by the Government of Dubai.
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