The Viking XPRS
– fast, environmentally sound and with a high level of passenger comfort

Work on Viking Line’s new high-speed passenger ferry based on the company’s new “Viking XPRS” concept is proceeding as planned. On April 16, the keel will be laid. According to plans, the vessel will be launched in late August. It is expected to enter service in January 2008. The Viking XPRS concept, which was developed over several years, brings together the best features of conventional passenger and car ferries and catamarans. It combines comfort, on-board service and reliability with short crossing time under all weather conditions. The vessel timetable will be adapted to customer wishes.

In designing the Viking XPRS, there has been great emphasis on environmental aspects and passenger comfort. The vessel will meet the highest Finnish-Swedish ice class − 1 A Super − enabling it to operate safely and adhere to its timetable even during the winter months.

Emphasis on environmental aspects

The Viking XPRS will employ the best available technology to ensure minimal environmental impact. “We are very pleased that we could take advantage of the best available technology where the vessel's environmental impact is concerned. Our work in this field has been satisfying and highly advanced,” says Kaj Jansson, Project Manager at Viking Line.

The main and auxiliary engines will all be equipped with catalytic cleansing systems to minimize nitrogen oxide emissions. In addition, the vessel will run on low-sulphur fuel to also minimize sulphur emissions. It has been designed with a double hull, which means that all bunker tanks will be situated safely above both hulls.

All black, grey and bilge water will be pumped ashore while in port. All sortable waste, including food waste, will be gathered in separate receptacles and brought ashore. In order to keep the vessel hull free from vegetation, divers will brush the hull clean. No toxic anti-fouling paints will be used.

The Viking XPRS will be a quiet vessel, with engines, fans and other noise-generating sources being sound-proofed to meet extra low noise threshold limits.

Naming competition this summer

A competition to name the new Viking XPRS vessel will be arranged among the general public during the period May 21 to June 10, 2007. The competition will be launched on the Viking Line websites in Finland, Sweden and Estonia. A jury consisting of representatives of Viking Line’s Board of Directors will select the winning name.

THE VIKING XPRS – a passenger-friendly vessel
- Separate car deck, ample conference capacity, a modern selection of restaurants and superb shopping opportunities

In designing the Viking XPRS, the aim has been to meet the needs of both current and future customer categories. “Customer-adapted passenger comfort” is a term that has been used often in the planning process.

The new vessel will have ample conference capacity. A modern conference department, with flexible spaces for gatherings large or small will allow for pleasant, efficient daytime conferences. The facilities will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Near the conference department will be a separate Business Lounge for business travellers who prefer a bit more privacy. “We are especially proud of this pleasant department, where business travellers will be able to work in peace and quiet during their trip. The Lounge will provide such features as wireless Internet,” explains Product Manager Mette Lindroth.

The restaurants on the Viking XPRS will appeal to a wide range of preferences. Bistro Bella, the largest restaurant, will feature a whole new type of fast buffet offering a modern selection of dishes. In the morning, a sea breakfast will be served here. The restaurant will be open to the kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs in action. Bistro Bella will have its own bar, called Kippiz, with a large selection of Scandinavian vodkas and other fine alcoholic beverages.

The Blue Deli café restaurant will be a new kind of self-service eatery. Customers will compose their own selection of Scandinavian home cooking and seasonally varying dishes from the open kitchen; they may also choose coffee with salty or sweet snacks from free-standing units. Customers will pay a cashier at the exit. With its blue interiors, the Blue Deli’s décor will reflect the nuances of the sea.

Café Xpresso will be a colourful and airy retreat for all coffee lovers, serving a variety of coffees including espresso, latte and cappuccino. A separate, cosy part of Café Xpresso will be the Xpresso Corner, with armchairs and sofas. This section can be hired by small groups.

The Viking XPRS will also feature a large café and dance restaurant called the Red Rose Bar Café, with décor in warm, red colours. This restaurant will have large panoramic windows offering a view out over the sea.

For all lovers of malt beverages, there will be a charming pub called the Vikings’ Inn. During the summer months, the Inn will open out onto a large sundeck, where food and drinks will also be served. “This selection of restaurants has been developed in response to the wishes of our customers. We have endeavoured to ensure that all passengers will find something that appeals to them. High quality food and beverages in a pleasant milieu have been the focus of our work,” says Harri Winter, Viking Line’s Director of Shipboard Commercial Operations.

For customers who are eager to do some shopping, the Viking XPRS will offer good opportunities in generous-sized shops with a fresh, modern range of products. Brand goods such as clothing, bags and accessories, beverages, fragrances and cosmetics will be available at attractive sea prices.

In planning the new vessel, Viking Line has made every effort to enhance the comfort of passengers who are transporting their car on the vessel. This is why the Viking XPRS will be equipped with a dedicated car deck. This will separate car passengers from heavier commercial vehicles, making it easier for them to get to and from their car. The car deck will also be located conveniently close to the cabin and shopping decks.For further information, please contact:

Nils-Erik Eklund, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Viking Line Abp, tel: +358 18 270 00
Kaj Jansson, Project Manager, Viking Line Abp, tel: +358 18 270 00