The Christening of Viking Line's Newbuilding

Today, on the 14th of September, Viking Line's newbuilding was christened Viking XPRS at Aker Yards shipyards in Helsinki. More than 700 guests participated in the ceremony. The singer Paula Koivuniemi acted as the ship's godmother. A competition concerning the ship's name brought forth more than 16 000 suggestions. The management of Viking Line chose the name which has already become familiar to the public. The ship will replace Rosella's Helsinki-Tallin route in March 2008. Viking XPRS is Viking Line's concrete expression of belief in the future of passenger traffic, including good food and high quality.

Great Interest Shown Towards New Ship

Viking XPRS is the first ship of the new era that a Finnish shipping company has built especially for the Helsinki-Tallin route. While still being built, the ship was already the focus of great interest. This was proved by the number of name suggestions that arrived, which came to over 16 000. The management of Viking Line decided to keep the ship's working name, Viking XPRS, as it had already become familiar to the public, because it symbolised the adjectives that best describe the ship: fast, modern and reliable. Viking XPRS was the name suggested in many of the entries that were received.

A Fast and Modern Ship

Viking Line's ambitious goal is to combine the best qualities of both passenger-car ferries and catamarans. Comfort, service and safety are combined with short travelling times in any season or weather. Environmental issues and comfort have been given an important role in the planning of the ship.

Nils-Erik Eklund, managing director, said in his speech at the christening: ”The future of the Baltic is important to coastal countries, such as Finland and Estonia. We are very much dependent on reliable seafaring. The Baltic is a passage for transport that connects us to the rest of Europe. Efficient, competitive, and environmentally friendly transport is vital to us. We should show our concern for the Baltic's unique wildlife. Environmental issues have also been central in the planning of Viking XPRS. We are happy to be able to use the best possible environmentally friendly technology.”

Viking XPRS has the highest Finnish ice class (1 A Super) so that travel can be guaranteed to be safe and on time even in the harsh winter months.

Technical information:

Further information

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