The construction works of the new 3,200 passenger cruise ferry Tanit, which will account for the biggest one in the Mediterranean Sea, are considerably progressing at the Korean Daewoo shipyard.
BNP Paribas, a group of foreign banks and La Société Générale will co-finance 80% of this project under the loan agreement with a contribution from two Tunisian banks, UIB and UBCI. The remaining cost will be provided by the Tunisian Shipping Company (CTN).
The vessel is designed for cross Mediterranean journey between Tunisia and France/Italy and will offer first class accommodation and spacious area for 1060 private cars. She will be equipped with a diesel common rail powered engine provided by MAN and her service speed will be 27,5 knots.
Delivery of the $261 million newbuild is planned to be taken by June 2012.
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering , established in 1973 and restructured as an independent company in October 2000 at Okpo Bay, Geoje Island, on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, has developed into the world’s premium specialized shipbuilding and offshore contractor that builds various vessels, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, floating oil production units, submarines, and destroyers. The company employs approximately 1,500 design and R&D personnel with prolific experience, and more than 15,000 skilled workers.
[mappress]
Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, February 10, 2012; Image: sncmitalia