Harland and Wolff finalized contracts to construct two Roll-on Roll-off ferries as part of the Private Finance Initiative for the UK Ministry of Defence Strategic Sealift Programme. Construction activity can commence virtually immediately. The two 14,200 dwt vessels, each measuring 193m x 26m, are scheduled for delivery in October 2002 and January 2003.

Welcoming the contract finalisation, Brynjulv Mugaas, Harland and Wolff Group Chief Executive, said "We are delighted that this contract has today been finalised, following on from the announcement of Preferred Bidder status to the AWSR Ltd consortium in October 2000. "The RoRo's provide a platform upon which we shall seek to expand and extend our orderbook. There is no doubt that significant niche market opportunities exist for efficient and competitive European shipbuilders. Indeed, Flensburg is an excellent example of a yard which has successfully adapted to changing market dynamics and the relationship which we have forged with them will be beneficial, not only to optimise performance on this contract, but also to our future development.”