Oslo-listed ferry operator Fjord Line says it ordered a new catamaran ferry to put into service between Norway and Denmark.
However, Aussie fast ferry specialist Austal says the deal, which could be worth AUD 100m ($79.25m), is still under negotiation.
“Austal is negotiating the potential sale of a 109 metre ro-pax catamaran to Fjord Line, however these negotiations are incomplete and any agreement is subject to fundamental conditions precedent to contract which have not yet been satisfied,” it said.
Fjord Line said it expects the vessel to be delivered by 2020 at which point it will be deployed on its route between Kristiansand in Norway and Hirtshals in Denmark.
“The investment will improve the Fjord Line offerings in regard of higher capacity, increased comfort, more departures and a stretched sailing season compared to the present service,” it said.
“Furthermore, the investment will make Fjord Line into a new operator within the freight segment on this corridor.”
The new vessel will have a passenger capacity of 1,200 and be able to carry more than 400 passenger vehicles - both representing doubled capacity from today.
Austal said the newbuilding would be the eighth largest high speed ro-pax ferry produced for international operators at its Henderson facility since 2001.
Design and construction of the vessel, which shares many features with the 109 metre catamaran currently under construction for Denmark’s Mols Linien, would commence immediately upon resolution of contractual arrangements.
