Construction work on Viking Glory progressing

Right now, work is in full swing at the XSI shipyard in Xiamen, China, where one of the world’s most climate-smart vessels is  taking shape. To manage the work in the best possible way and assure quality, Viking Line has a team of some twenty employees on site. Another 200 people from different partners are also involved in the work. Viking Glory is expected to be completed in late 2021 and be launched in service in early 2022.

Construction work at the shipyard is led by project manager Kari Granberg, who together with engineers and team leaders from Finland, Åland and Sweden are overseeing the work and ensuring compliance with safety requirements.

“Right now our days are spent examining blueprints, checking documents and overseeing the work. Some 800 people are currently working here, with about 200 of them from our different partners working on the interiors. Every day, we have a large number of inspections and tests of different systems and automation. We examine internal and external doors, oversee the painting and insulation work, sprinkler and ventilation systems, the running of cables and connections. Day by day, the work is progressing and the vessel is starting to take shape. It’s really inspiring us,” says Kari Granberg, Viking Glory’s project manager on site in Xiamen.

Numerous partners and turnkey companies

As early as the planning stage, Viking Line decided to hire distinguished and important partners in the project to develop the vessel’s environmental technology details and develop innovative interiors with a focus on the customer experience. These partners include ABB Marine, the architect firm Koncept, Climeon, Wärtsilä, Kone, Deltamarin, Scenso, ICF Group, TSI and Almaco.  Of these companies, the following are currently working actively on the construction of the vessel:

Almaco is busy installing wall panels in corridors and finishing the cabins’ interior fittings. Carpeting has been installed on some decks. Major jobs are being carried out in kitchens and storage facilities. https://www.almaco.cc/ship-types/ferries-ropax/

Scenso (joint venture between Sance and North Sea Offshore Technology) is currently working on the public spaces. Wall panels are being installed in the tax-free shops, and work is also under way in some public areas, conference facilities and spa facilities. https://www.sance.fi/b/sance-part-of-the-innovative-ms-viking-glory-project

ICF Group is working to complete the work in different restaurant areas. https://icfint.com/portfolio/viking-glory-2018nb/

Total Solution Interiors (TSI) is currently working with the vessel’s stair system and with some restaurants, including the outdoor summer restaurant on deck. https://www.totalsolutioninteriors.it/

The next milestone

The next steps in the construction work are to further test the Azipod propulsion system, cool the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks and supply LNG fuel for the first test sailings, which are planned for June. Thanks to ABB’s Azipod propulsion system, the vessel will be easier to manoeuvre in ports, which will save both time and fuel. Vibrations and noise will also be reduced. Waste cooling from LNG will also be reused on Viking Glory. Air conditioning, refrigerated display cases, cold storage units and other specialised facilities will be able to utilise the new technology.

“We’re really pleased that we’ve come so far in the work. We’ve had some challenges because of the pandemic, but they’ve been worked out. Right now, there are 20 people here at the site office. A few more will be arriving, but it’s a challenge to travel here because of the strict quarantine restrictions. Some of us have not been home for a year and a half because of them. It’s been unusually cold for this time of year due to the La Niña weather phenomenon, but now it’s starting to get warmer. We’ve experienced a great deal here in Xiamen and are all proud to be part of building this beautiful vessel,” notes Kari Granberg, project manager.

Facts about Viking Glory:

• To be delivered in late 2021
• Estimated launch in service early 2022 on the Turku–Åland–Stockholm route
• Capacity 2,800 passengers
• 922 cabins
• Crew of about 200 + 200 people
• Length 222.6 metres, gross tonnage 63,813 tonnes
• Cargo capacity 1,500 metres
• Ice class 1A Super
• Fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Being built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, Ltd at its shipyard in China

Virtual tour:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvGuBg67adg

For further information, please contact:Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Viking Line Abp, johanna.boijer@vikingline.com, tel. +358 18 27000

Christa Grönlund, Communications Manager, Finland, Viking Line Abp, christa.gronlund@vikingline.com, tel.+358 18 27000

Eleonora Hansi, Communications Manager, Sweden, Viking Skandinavien, eleonora.hansi@vikingline.com,  tel. +358 18 27000

Viking Line’s new-build is taking part in a Finnish-Swedish EU project. Viking Line, together with the Port of Turku, the Ports of Stockholm, the Port of Mariehamn and the City of Turku, has been granted EU aid from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme for the  joint EU project NextGen Link.

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