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

Moored Dredger Sinks off Singapore, No Casualties Reported

2 hours ago

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has reported that a moored Belize-registered dredger, KSE Hitachi, had sunk off Tuas in Singapore.According to MPA, there were no personnel reported to be on board the dredger at the time of the incident, with port operations remaining unaffected.MPA is investigating the incident, and navigational broadcast has been issued to advise passing vessels to keep clear of the area.The dredger’s company is making arrangements to salvage the vessel.Three MPA patrol crafts have been deployed to the site to render assistance.

Stakeholders Respond to MEPC 83 Outcome

12 hours ago

The IMO Net-zero Framework agreed at MEPC 83 last week is the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector.  The measures include a new fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions. These measures, set to be formally adopted in October 2025 before entry into force in 2027, will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of the total CO2 emissions from international shipping.

China Hikes Tariffs for US Imports in Response to Trump’s Actions

3 days ago

Beijing increased its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125% on Friday, hitting back against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to hike duties on Chinese goods and raising the stakes in a trade war that threatens to up-end global supply chains.China's retaliation intensified the economic turmoil unleashed by Trump's tariffs, with markets tumbling further and foreign leaders puzzling how to respond to the biggest disruption to the world trade order in decades."Recession risk is much, much higher now than it was a couple weeks ago," said Adam Hetts, global head of multi-asset at Janus Henderson.

Taiwan Charges Chinese Captain over Cable Damage

3 days ago

Taiwan prosecutors on Friday for the first time charged a Chinese ship captain with intentionally damaging undersea cables off the island in February, after a rise in sea cable malfunctions alarmed Taiwan officials amid tensions with China.Prosecutors say the man was captain of the Chinese-crewed Hong Tai 58, registered in Togo, which Taiwanese authorities detained after suspecting the ship had dropped anchor near an undersea cable off southwestern Taiwan, damaging it.The prosecutors' office in the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan said they had charged the ship's Chinese captain, whom they identified only by his family name, Wang, with being responsible for damaging the cable.

Six Dead in Hudson River Helicopter Crash

3 days ago

The US Coast Guard is coordinating with local, state and federal agencies in response to the helicopter crash in the Hudson River that occurred Thursday afternoon in New York City near the Holland Tunnel.The tourist helicopter crashed into New York City's Hudson River, killing all six aboard, including three children, Mayor Eric Adams said.The victims were believed to have included a family from Spain and the pilot, the mayor said at a briefing.Response boat crews from Coast Guard stations New York, Sandy Hook and Kings Point, and Cutter Bonito have been deployed to the incident.