The first of Fjord Line’s two new cruise ferries was launched at the Stocznia Gdansk shipyard on Thursday. The ship, which will be christened MS “Stavangerfjord”, is now being towed to Bergen Group Fosen for interior fitting and finishing.
The launch marks the completion of the steel work by the Stocznia Gdansk shipyard. The launch was witnessed by around two thousand shipyard workers and others who have contributed to the creation of the ship’s hull as well as residents of Gdansk. Before the ship glided out from the slip, the shipyard’s director Andrzej Stoklosa gave a short speech, followed by Fjord Line’s CEO Ingvald Fardal. Fardal thanked the shipyard’s management and workers for their efforts.
“ For Fjord Line the launch of MS Stavangerfjord marks an important milestone in the achievement of our goal to offer travelers two modern and well-appointed cruise ferries with daily departures between Bergen, Stavanger and Hirtshals, and between Hirtshals and Langesund “, said Fardal .
Towed to Rissa for finishing
The launch of the almost 7000 tonne hull took less than a minute. Next week it starts the journey from Poland to Norway, along the coast to the shipyard in Rissa on the Fosen peninsula. There, workers representing a variety of disciplines will outfit and finish the modern ship. This will include furnishing the ship with restaurants for every taste, cafés and bars, a large tax-free shop and well-equipped facilities for courses and conferences. After delivery and commissioning with Fjord Line’s crew, Stavangerfjord can be put into regular service.
Steel work for MS “Bergensfjord” begun
As Stavangerfjord’s hull has taken shape at the shipyard in Gdansk, steel work has started on the second of the two new cruise ferries. This ship will be called MS “Bergensfjord.” The new ships will be 170 meters long, perfectly designed to handle North Sea waves and provide passengers with a smooth and stable voyage. The ships will each accommodate 1,500 passengers, offer 306 cabins and have space for 600 cars, trucks and cargo.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, April 13, 2012; Image: Fjord Line