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

Next-Gen French OPV with Wind-Assisted Propulsion Starts Taking Shape

yesterday

The next generation offshore patrol vessel (OPV), featuring hybrid propulsion and wind sails, has started taking shape as the first steel is cut for the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) vessel, designed by the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium.On September 18, 2025, the steel cutting ceremony was held for the New Generation Maritime Affairs Patrol Vessel (PAM) with wind-assisted propulsion.The transition from the design to construction phase follows the tender win by the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium in December 2024, and the official announcement in January 2025, with the task to deliver the next-generation OPV.

South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Eyes Acquisition of US Shipyard

2 days ago

South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is in talks with multiple companies about buying a U.S. shipyard, a senior company executive said, seeking to tap into President Donald Trump's push to revive America's ailing shipbuilding industry.The world's largest shipbuilder based on orders is targeting 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion) in annual revenue by 2035 from building warships for the U.S. Navy, said Woo-maan Jeong, head of planning and management for HD Hyundai's 329180.KS naval and special ship unit, in an interview at its Ulsan headquarters."It seems to be clear that we need to build a manufacturing base in the U.S.

Cadeler to Install Turbines at Ocean Winds’ Polish Offshore Wind Farm

2 days ago

Danish offshore wind installation firm Cadeler has signed a firm contract with Ocean Winds for the transportation and installation of 26 Siemens Gamesa 14 MW offshore wind turbines at the BC-Wind offshore wind farm in the Polish Baltic Sea. The signing of this firm contract follows the Vessel Reservation Agreement (VRA) signed in February 2025 between Cadeler and Ocean Winds.The installation is set to start in 2028 and to continue for approximately four months. Cadeler will deploy one of its O-class wind turbine installation vessels and will operate from the Port of Gdańsk in Poland.

NYK Buys Direct Air Capture Credits

2 days ago

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has purchased carbon dioxide removal credits that will be enabled by 1PointFive’s Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology.This marks NYK’s second purchase of credits from 1PointFive intended to address NYK’s residual operational emissions.According to NYK, the international shipping industry emits roughly one billion tons of CO2 annually, and if about 10% remains as residual emissions after operational emission reductions, then the industry would need to remove 100 million tons via carbon dioxide removal each year to address those residual emissions.

China's Hold on Global Ports focus of Trump Administration

4 days ago

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is on a mission to weaken China's global network of ports and bring more strategic terminals under Western control, according to three sources familiar with the plan.The drive is part of the most ambitious effort to expand U.S. maritime influence since the 1970s and is designed to address growing fears in Washington that it would be at a disadvantage to China in the event of a conflict.Trump administration officials believe the U.S. commercial shipping fleet is ill-equipped to provide logistical support for the military in time of war and Washington's dependence on foreign ships and ports is excessive, the people said.