Aker Yards France SA

Shipyards

Aker Yards France SA was a significant player in the shipbuilding industry, particularly known for its focus on building large and sophisticated vessels like cruise ships and ferries. Aker Yards was originally part of the larger Aker Yards group, which was a Norwegian-based international shipyard group with numerous facilities across Europe.

Key points about Aker Yards France SA:

History and Ownership: Aker Yards France's history ties back to the broader Aker Yards group, which originated from a merger of several older shipbuilding entities. It also included yards that were previously part of the Alstom group. The French operations were primarily based in two main shipyards: Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire and the yard in Lorient.
Acquisition by STX Europe: In 2008, the South Korean company STX Corporation acquired a significant share in Aker Yards, leading to the rebranding of the European shipyards under the STX Europe name. Consequently, Aker Yards France became part of STX France.
Specialization and Projects: Aker Yards France (later STX France) specialized in the construction of large, complex vessels, particularly cruise ships. The Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard in Saint-Nazaire is renowned for producing some of the world's largest and most sophisticated cruise ships.
Renaming to Chantiers de l'Atlantique: After several financial and ownership changes, including a period under the ownership of the South Korean STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, the French state intervened to stabilize the shipyard. In 2018, following a prolonged period of uncertainty, the shipyards were rebranded back to their historical name, Chantiers de l'Atlantique.
Current Status: As of now, Chantiers de l'Atlantique continues to operate as one of the leading shipyards in Europe, particularly in the cruise ship market. The yard has a significant number of orders from major cruise lines and continues its reputation for engineering excellence and innovation in shipbuilding.

In summary, Aker Yards France SA has undergone various transitions, influenced by global market dynamics and ownership changes. However, the legacy of the company continues under the name Chantiers de l'Atlantique, with a strong presence in the high-value segment of the shipbuilding industry.

Ships

AZAMARA JOURNEY

Passenger Ship | Flag: Malta | Port: VALLETTA

AZAMARA QUEST

Passenger Ship | Flag: Malta | Port: VALLETTA

BERGE HELENE

Oil Production and Storage Unit | Flag: Bermuda | Port: HAMILTON

BLACK EAGLE

Container Ship | Flag: United States | Port: BALTIMORE, MD

Maritime News

The Race is On to Find Vessel Collision Clues

6 hours ago

Inevitably, when a maritime accident like the one involving U.S.-flagged chemical tanker Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged container vessel Solong happens, the first question invariably is an incredulous: "How could this happen"?Now, a relatively rare collision off the coast of Britain has sparked concerns over what went wrong despite standard safety protocols, according to three shipping and insurance industry sources.The incident, which occurred on the morning of Monday, March 10, 2025, resulted in significant damage to the tanker, leaving a gaping hole in its side, and both ships were still burning as of Tuesday. Authorities do not expect either vessel to sink.

German Maritime Fleet: Resilient Strength in Turbulent Times

12 hours ago

Germany’s maritime industry is proving resilient amid global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical priorities. At the annual conference of the German Shipowners' Association (VDR), statistics underscore the sector's role in securing trade, employment, and economic stability. Despite mounting challenges, German merchant shipping remains a powerhouse—supporting nearly half a million jobs and ensuring the steady flow of essential goods into and out of the country.A Maritime PowerhouseGermany boasts a fleet of 1,764 ships, ranking it seventh among global merchant shipping nations. With a gross tonnage of 47.4 million, the nation continues to be a key player in global trade.

All 23 Crew from Stena Immaculate Safe with No Reported Injuries, Crowley Says

15 hours ago

Crowley, the manager of oil tanker Stena Immaculate that was struck on its port side by the container ship Solong, causing a blaze, has reported that all 23 members of the ship’s crew are safe and without reported injuries, as it launches spill containment response efforts.On March 10, 2025, while stationary and anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull in the United Kingdom, the Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate was struck on its port side by the container ship Solong.Crowley said it is working closely with response agencies including the HM Coastguard to secure the vessel in a restricted safety area and initiate spill containment response.

Update: Stena Immaculate, U.S. Military Jet Fuel Cargo Continues to Burn

2 days ago

A tanker carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military was hit by a container ship off northeast England on Monday, with the collision igniting a blaze on both vessels, causing multiple explosions and forcing both crews to abandon ship.The tanker, which can carry tens of thousands of tons of jet fuel, was at anchor when the smaller container ship struck it, rupturing its cargo tank and releasing fuel into the sea, its operator said. Its owner Stena Bulk gave the same details.Two maritime security sources said there was no indication of any malicious activity or other actors involved in the incident.

Update: Casualties Brought Ashore After Cargo Ship, Oil Tanker Collide Off UK

2 days ago

Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong Tanker, cargo ship collide off UK coast causing blaze and casualties.A chemical tanker and container ship collided off the northeastern coast of England on Monday causing a huge fire on at least one of the vessels and leading to numerous casualties.Authorities mounted an emergency response, and the coastguard agency said a helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, lifeboats and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability had all been called to the incident to help.