The first steel plates have been cut for Viking Line’s new passenger cruise ship at the Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (XSI) shipyard in China, marking the start of the ship’s construction.
Described as one of the most climate-smart ships in the world by its owner, the new cruise ferry will be fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The new vessel will have the capacity for 2,800 persons and a cargo capacity of 1,500 lane metres. It will be larger than M/S Viking Grace, featuring a length of 218 metres and gross tonnage 63,000 tonnes.
The design of the new LNG-fueled newbuild is expected to cut its fuel consumption by 10 percent compared to its predecessor. In addition to optimized energy efficiency and environmentally-friendly solutions on board, the ship will be designated with Ice class 1 A Super.
The new ferry will be launched for operation in early 2021 on the Turku–Åland–Stockholm route.
“We want to provide our guests with unprecedented views of the archipelago. Our company’s roots are in the archipelago, and we wish this fact to be reflected in our activities. On the new ship, the views are unobstructed, and one can experience the overall presence of the sea. To protect our unique marine environment, we utilize innovative technologies. Tomorrow’s passenger experiences will incorporate an emphasis on environmental factors and comfort,” explains Jan Hanses, President and CEO of Viking Line.
The ship is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2020. Partners on the project include Wärtsilä, ABB Marine, Kone, Koncept Stockholm, Deltamarin, and, Almaco, among others.