Aker Yards Lifecycle Services and Viking River Cruises have signed a contract for conversion of a river cruise ship. The value of the contract is approximately EUR 6.5 million. The conversion is scheduled for delivery in April 2008.

The scope of work onboard the river cruise ship “Viking Surkov” includes new larger cabins, public spaces, food & beverage areas and an elevator.

Mr. Juha Heikinheimo, President of Cruise & Ferries in Aker Yards comments: “In addition to ship building Aker Yards, Cruise & Ferries has established a good reputation providing lifecycle services. With today s contract with Viking River Cruises we are delighted to expand to a new segment, river cruising  –  which is one of the fastest-growing trends in travel and with high synergies to ocean going cruising”.

“Through our Lifecycle Services division we want to support the cruise operators to ensure that year after year cruise customers receive the state-of-the-art experience onboard that they are used to”, Heikinheimo ends.