g src=”/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/vard-fincantieri.jpg” alt=”VARD logo” width=”200″ height=”87″ style=”margin: 5px; float: left;” />Vard has announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent for the design and construction of an expedition cruise vessel for “an undisclosed international cruise company.”

Vard is currently building expedition ships for both Ponant and Hapag-Lloyd at its Norway and Romania facilities. Vard is majority owned by Fincantieri.

Developed in close cooperation with the customer, the luxury vessel will be about 145 meters long and 20 meters wide, according to a release, with accommodation for 220 passengers.

The hull of the vessel will be built by VARD’s shipyard in Tulcea, Romania. Delivery is scheduled from one of VARD’s Norwegian yards in 2019.

The contract price is expected to be approximately NOK 1 billion.

The parties have a common intention to enter into a firm contract within 1Q 2017, subject to several conditions being met, including satisfactory financing.