Havila Kystruten has signed term sheets with lenders to refinance its fleet.
In addition, the company revealed dates for the deliveries of the the latest ships, ‘Havila Polaris’ and ‘Havila Pollux’.
The new finance totals €370 mill and covers payment to the Tersan shipyard upon delivery of the ‘Havila Polaris’ and ‘Havila Pollux’, as well as redemption of existing debt related to all of the ships.
“It is with great relief to have the refinancing of our ships in place. It has been a demanding period with a lot of uncertainty for the company, employees and not least our guests. We are happy to have found a solution,” said CEO, Bent Martini.
The redemption of the original debts to GTLK, banned under Russian sanctions, will be undertaken by further agreement with the new lenders in accordance with permission obtained from the Norwegian authorities and in compliance with international sanctions regulations, the company said.
Rescheduled plans for the delivery of the two new ships from the Tersan shipyard mean that the scheduled start-up for ‘Havila Polaris’ is set for 29th December, 2022 at the latest and ‘Havila Pollux’ by 22nd March, 2023.
“Delivery challenges for critical components on the next two ships and thus some further delays, is of course very regrettable, especially for everyone who has booked a trip with us and not least for the coastal population,” Martini said.
“It is also very important for us to get the next two ships into operation, and we are very much looking forward to have a full operation with four ships along the Norwegian coast soon,” he concluded.
