Aker Kvaerner to increase capacity at the world’s largest fiberline

Aker Kvaerner has been awarded a contract for two pressure diffusers as an important part of an expansion project in the People’s Republic of China. The contract is worth approximately EUR 8 million. 14 Mar 06




The facility was started up in November 2004. The fiberline, originally delivered by Aker Kvaerner, has a nominal capacity of 3,000 tonnes of pulp per day making it the world’s largest fiberline. The new pressure diffusers are being installed to facilitate a capacity increase to 4,000 tonnes of pulp per day, or about 1.3 million tonnes per year.

Kvaerner Pulping, part of the Aker Kvaerner group, will provide engineering, procurement and supervision services (EPS) under the new contract.

"To once again be entrusted by this important customer clearly demonstrates the strength of Aker Kvaerner’s technology and capabilities within the pulp and paper industry and marks yet another important reference in the fast growing Chinese market" says Per-Åke Färnstrand, President of Kvaerner Pulping.

The pressure diffusers are scheduled to start up in the second quarter of 2007.

ENDS

AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner comprises several industries, including Oil & Gas, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. The Aker Kvaerner group is organised into two principal business streams, namely Oil & Gas and E&C, each consisting of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities.

The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 41.4 billion and employs approximately 20 000 people in more than 30 countries.

Aker Kvaerner is part of the Aker Group (www.akerasa.com), a leading multi-industry powerhouse with more than 40 000 employees and NOK 60 billion revenues. Aker owns 50.01 per cent of Aker Kvaerner, and the group is also a major European shipbuilder and a significant participant in the fisheries industry.

Kvaerner Pulping is a leading supplier of machines, process systems and service to the world-wide pulp and paper industry. Kvaerner Pulping, with headquarters in Karlstad, Sweden, has 630 employees in 12 countries around the world. Kvaerner Pulping is committed to continuously improving its customers’ products, productivity and profitability through the delivery of innovative technical solutions. Kvaerner Pulping offers the full range of engineering, procurement and construction services, from single machines to complete fiberlines and white liquor plants.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com

Contact Information

Torbjørn Andersen

SVP Group Communications

Aker Kvaerner

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