Maritime
The building of Viking Line ’ s new passenger vessel starts
Credits : vikingline . com
T he production of Viking Line ’ s new passenger cruise ship starts at the Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co ., Ltd . ( XSI ) shipyard in China . The first steel plates are being cut in the traditional Steel Cutting ceremony . The new vessel will be one of the most climate-smart ships in the world . The project has involved extensive engineering and development work with the intention to create a unique new-generation passenger ship . The collaborative project has engaged several suppliers in Finland and Europe . The vessel will be launched for operation in early 2021 on the Turku – Åland – Stockholm route . Unique and open design The new vessel is designed with a focus on providing open and unobstructed views of the unique archipelago . Large panoramic windows will enable passengers to experience the archipelago in a completely new way .
“ 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 utilise innovative technologies . Tomorrow ’ s passenger experiences will incorporate an emphasis on environmental factors and comfort ”, explains Jan Hanses , President and CEO of Viking Line .
An architectural company based in Sweden , Koncept Stockholm is responsible for the interior design of the new vessel . Koncept Stockholm stood out from among several renowned architectural companies with plans that combine Scandinavian lightness and playfulness in an attractive way . With the help of these architects , Viking Line strives to enhance onboard travel experiences for the satisfaction of cruise passengers , families with children and conference guests alike , while also meeting the demands of freight transport . The project has also taken into consideration international passengers , who may be experiencing the archipelago for the first time in their lives . Larger and more efficient than Viking Grace The new vessel is larger than M / S Viking Grace , the pioneer in environmental aspects and the first LNG-powered large passenger ship in the world , but it is calculated to consume up to 10 per cent less fuel . Optimised energy efficiency and environmentally-friendly solutions have been focal points for the project , and the new vessel will be among the most energy efficient ships in the world . Facts about the new vessel : * Delivery at the end of 2020 * Launch for operation on the Turku – Åland – Stockholm route in early
2021 * Passenger capacity 2,800 persons * Cabins 922 * Crew approx . 200 persons * Length 218 metres , gross tonnage 63,000 tonnes * Cargo capacity 1,500 lane metres * Ice class 1 A Super • Fuel LNG ( liquefied natural gas ) * Built at the shipyard of Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co ., Ltd . in China * Collaborative partners : Wärtsilä , ABB Marine , Kone , Koncept Stockholm ,
Deltamarin , Almaco etc . www . vikingline . com
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