STX Finland Oy and Viking Line ABP have inked a preliminary agreement to construct an environmentally conscious, next-generation cruise ferry for Viking Line, with an option for a sister ship included in the deal. Valued at around 240 million euros, the vessel will be crafted at the Turku shipyard and is slated for delivery in early 2013.
This new cruise ferry aspires to be the most eco-friendly large passenger vessel ever constructed. While the fuel source has yet to be finalized, there is a strong inclination toward utilizing LNG for propulsion, a move that promises to significantly reduce marine emissions and keep aerial emissions at an unprecedented low. Meticulously designed to navigate the intricate and shallow-water archipelago environment, the vessel prioritizes minimizing wave formation and noise generation.
Juha Heikinheimo, President of STX Finland Oy, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the ongoing collaboration with Viking Line, underscoring the vessel’s anticipated innovative features and environmental credentials. He emphasized the commitment to ensuring a delightful passenger experience, with an estimated 2,600 person-years of employment created by the project, a boon for both the Turku shipyard and the broader Finnish shipbuilding industry.
Heikinheimo highlighted the importance of maintaining an active shipyard, citing its enhanced competitiveness in securing future cruise ship projects. The design phase is set to commence promptly at the Turku shipyard, followed by the commencement of construction in autumn 2011, with a focus on enhancing production efficiency and productivity through streamlined operations.
The cruise ferry, measuring approximately 210 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 57,000, will accommodate 2,800 passengers and boast a top speed of nearly 23 knots. Operated by a crew of 200, the vessel will feature 870 passenger cabins, ample space for trucks and passenger cars, and hoistable car decks. Operating between Turku and Stockholm, the cruise ferry aims to provide premium passenger experiences on this popular route.
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Source: LNG World News