Norwegian shipbuilding group Kleven Maritime AS won a 3.2 billion kroner (US$477 million, euro380 million) contract to build six ships for Siem Offshore, the companies announced Wednesday. Kleven said the contract shared by its two western Norway yards was the largest in its history.The shipyards will deliver six, 91-meter (292-foot) long anchor handling tugboats during 2009 and 2010, with an option for six more in 2010.
The ships will be capable of anchor handling as well as construction work for the offshore oil industry, the companies said in news releases.Siem Offshore, based in the southern Norway city of Kristiansand, offers maritime services to the offshore oil industry.