The Nam Trieu Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (Nasico) under the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group (Vinashin) on July 12 inked a contract on the building of two ships, each with the capacity to carry 6,900 cars, for the Blystad group of Norway.

The car carriers, which measure 199.9 m in length, 32.26 m in height and 10 m in draught, will be equipped with modern facilities and technology to meet the latest international shipping standards.

They will be built to the design of DeltaMarin of the Netherlands under the supervision of DNV of Norway.

The first ship was expected to be completed and transferred in October 2013 and the other, in April 2014.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said the contract expressed the trust of the Norwegian state and shipping companies in Vinashin.

He said the contract was a commitment of quality, time, trust and the brand of Vinashin to domestic and foreign shipping companies in the future.

He asked Vinashin and Nasico to maintain and develop the Vinashin brand as well as contribute to celebrating the 40 th anniversary of cooperation between Vietnam and Norway.

Also at the ceremony, Nasico signed another contract with Hoegh Autoliner of Norway, under which Hoegh Autoliner will send 16 experts to help Nasico build the two car-carrying ships.

Nasico General Director Do Van Thau said that previously Vinashin and Nasico had signed with Hoegh Autoliner a contract to build the two ships. However, that contract was cancelled due to difficulties experienced by Vinashin and Nasico as well as global conditions.

The new project was a result of active assistance from Hoegh Autoliner and Blystad./.