- The new sustainable cruise ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- Several key partners from Turku region and the Nordics have been developing environmental technology details and an innovative interior for the vessel
- The expected placement in service will be early 2022 on the Turku–Åland–Stockholm route
A significant milestone has been reached in the construction of Viking Line’s new vessel, Viking Glory. On January 26, it was launched at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, Ltd (XSI)’s shipyard in Xiamen, China. There is great interest in the new, climate-smart vessel, and the launch ceremony was live-streamed on YouTube. Viking Glory will be placed in service early next year on the Turku–Mariehamn–Stockholm route.
“Viking Glory embodies Viking Line’s faith in a bright future for travel on the Baltic Sea. Key words are sustainability, energy efficiency and innovative Nordic design. Viking Glory is the result of a close collaboration with Finnish and other Nordic partners, who by contributing their expertise and know-how will enable us to soon celebrate the launch of a unique vessel,” says Jan Hanses, Viking Line’s CEO.
Climate-smart vessel
Viking Line is a pioneer in developing sustainable passenger ships of the future. First out was Viking Grace, which was placed in service in 2013 as the world’s first large passenger ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and was honoured with a number of sustainability awards. The new Viking Glory is larger than the environmental pioneer Viking Grace but is nonetheless expected to use about ten per cent less fuel and thus be one of the world’s most energy-efficient vessels. The focus throughout the project has been on energy optimization and eco-friendly solutions. Key Nordic partners in developing environmental technology details and an innovative interior include Wärtsilä, ABB Marine, Koncept, Climeon, Kone, Deltamarin, Almaco, Evac, Pointman and Projektia.
Nordic design with a focus on archipelago views
With Viking Glory, Viking Line wants to open up the world’s most beautiful archipelagos to passengers in a brand-new way. The vessel offers large panoramic windows combined with quiet, comfortable travel in all seasons. The entire interior is characterized by timeless, yet playful design, Nordic light, sustainability and digital solutions.
Launch to be shown to the public
Viking Line has seen great interest in the new vessel from customers and the general public. Anyone interested was therefore given a chance to witness Viking Glory’s very first voyage, from drydock to quay. A virtual tour onboard the vessel was also shown for the first time.
Facts about Viking Glory:
- To be delivered in late 2021
- Expected placement in service in early 2022 on the Turku–Åland–Stockholm route
- Passenger capacity: 2,800 passengers
- Cabins: 922
- Crew: around 200
- Length: 222.6 metres, gross tonnage: 63,813 tonnes
- Cargo capacity: 1,500 metres
- Ice class: 1A Super
- Fuel: Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- Construction at XSI’s shipyard in China
- Partners: Wärtsilä, ABB Marine, Kone, Almaco, Koncept, Climeon, Evac, Projektia, Pointman, Deltamarin and others
