Aker signs contract for new cruise ship at French shipyard

Aker Yards has signed a contract with MSC Cruises to build a 4th MSC Musica Class Cruise ship. The MSC Magnifica will be built at Aker Yards, Saint-Nazaire and delivered in 2010. The value of the contract is approximately EUR 410 million. The contract is subject to financing.


Like her three predecessors (MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia, this 89,600 GT cruise ship is 294 metres long and just over 32 metres wide, and complies with the Panama Canal Standard. MSC Magnifica will carry up to 4,000 people on board (including crew) and have 1275 passenger cabins, 80% of which being outside.

Mr. Yrjö Julin, President of Aker Yards, Cruise & Ferries comments: "We are very proud to be able to continue to contribute to the dynamic expansion of MSC's fleet. The already strong relationship between MSC and Aker Yards has been further strengthened by this contract and we look forward to continue our innovative cooperation with MSC targeting to offer unique cruise experiences to MSC passengers".

Aker Yards is presently completing the construction of MSC Orchestra, which will be delivered in May. The order book also includes the third sister ship, MSC Poesia (delivery: 2008) and two 1650 cabins cruise ships - MSC Fantasia (delivery: 2008) and MSC Serenate (delivery: 2009).
By 2009, MSC Cruises' fleet will include ten modern cruise ships, all built by Aker Yards.

Aker Yards' business area Cruise & Ferries now has in the orderbook in all 21 vessels, ten of which are cruise vessels. The next cruise ship delivery will be in April - Liberty of the Seas, the second in the series of three of the world's largest cruise vessels built by Aker Yards.