Kvaerner conversion for TT Line vessel

A NEW ship-set of ro-ro access equipment designed by Kvaerner Ships Equipment of Sweden is being used in the conversion work on Germany's TT Line's train ferry Robin Hood.

The 24,728 gross registered tonne vessel, which was built in the late '80s, will be completely converted within 15 weeks and re-delivered to TT Line by the end of March.

The vessel, after under-going conversion, will be renamed Nils Holgersson and will re-enter service on her original route between Germany and Sweden.

Kvaerner Ships Equipment's contract calls for the design of a new bow visor, which will be a one-section unit integral with the vessel's bow structure, bow ramp-door, hoistable car deck and two passenger access doors.

Both Kvaerner Masa Yards and Kvaerner Ships Equipment hold an option on the conversion of a sister ship, Nils Dacke, but it is not known when this option will be exercised.

Meanwhile, the Kvaerner Norwegian shipbuilding and shipping group, has taken a firm foothold in Gibraltar, where on March 16 last year, it took over the former naval dockyards under a 20-year lease from the government, with an option for another 20 years.