KfW IPEX-Bank and Commerzbank finance third expedition ship for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Main (ots)
- HANSEATIC spirit to be built at Norwegian VARD shipyard
- Support for Europe's export industry in global competition
- Cutting-edge technology for sustainability in expedition
cruisingKfW IPEX-Bank and Commerzbank are financing a third expedition ship for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The Hamburg-based subsidiary of TUI Group already contracted the Norwegian VARD shipyard in 2016 to build the sister vessels HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration, which are scheduled for delivery in 2019. Delivery of the HANSEATIC spirit is planned for 2021.
As with the predecessor vessels, KfW IPEX-Bank and Commerzbank structured the entire financing and are both acting as Mandated Lead Arranger.
"This closing again underscores our structuring competence when it comes to tailored financings in the cruise segment," said Andreas Ufer, member of the Management Board of KfW IPEX-Bank at the signing. "We are pleased to - together with Commerzbank - continue our successful business partnership with Hapay-Lloyd Cruises and, with our financing, to support one of the key German players in global competition in the booming cruise sector."
As the expedition ship will be equipped with the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC6), it will be operating primarily in the polar regions of the Arctic and the Antarctic, although it will also head for warmer destinations such as the Amazon region. The ship will be fitted with state-of-the-art technology and environmental technology for its travels in these sensitive areas.
With a length of 139 metres the new vessel will be able to accommodate up to 230 passengers (199 for Antarctic and Spitzbergen expeditions) and 175 crew members. It will sport a high percentage of balcony cabins, three board restaurants and a number of technical innovations and new features on the cruise market. For example, it will have not only an accessible prow and a marina for water sports at the stern, but also two movable glass balconies that extend up from the body of the ship and offer an unobstructed view from up high of the ocean and its inhabitants. On-board electrically powered Zodiacs will be available for low-emission excursions in expedition areas without ports or landing stages.
About KfW IPEX-Bank
Within KfW Group, KfW IPEX-Bank is responsible for international project and export finance. It offers medium and long-term financing to support key export industries, to develop economic and social infrastructure, to fund environmental and climate protection projects and to secure the supply of raw materials. KfW IPEX-Bank operates as a legally independent group subsidiary and is represented in the most important economic and financial centres across the globe.
About Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
In German-speaking countries Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is considered to be the leading provider of luxury and expedition cruises. It is a 100% subsidiary of TUI Group - the world's number one tourism group - and currently operates a fleet of three ships: EUROPA and EUROPA 2 are luxury ships and the only ones worldwide to have received the top rating of 5-stars-plus from Berlitz Cruise Guide. The expedition ship BREMEN (4-star*) departs on discovery tours across the globe. Extraordinary travel on the luxurious private jet ALBERT BALLIN is a particularly exclusive way of traveling that complements the company portfolio. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises continues to grow and will be commissioning three new five-star expedition ships: HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration will join the fleet in 2019, to be followed in 2021 by HANSEATIC spirit. The newbuilds will be positioned in the polar regions of the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as in warmer destinations.
Pressekontakt:
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Palmengartenstraße 5-9, 60325 Frankfurt
Pressestelle: E-Mail: Dela.Strumpf@kfw.de
Tel. 069 7431-2984, Fax: 069 7431-9409, E-Mail:
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Original content of: KfW IPEX-Bank, transmitted by news aktuell