The building of the high-speed passenger
ferry Viking XPRS begins
The building of Viking XPRS commenced today, 3 October 2006.
Ordered from Aker Yards on 29 November 2005, the extremely environmentally
sound vessel is estimated to be completed in January 2008. The new vessel
will be in the highest Finnish ice class, with high engine output to
guarantee regular traffic around the year in any weather conditions. The new
building project was preceded by four years of planning and research.
A comfortable high-speed ferry
The structure of the traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn has changed,
and the old conventional vessels no longer meet the demands that customers
set for comfort and convenient trips. The passenger volume to Tallinn is
continuously growing. During the summer months of this year alone Viking
Line’s passenger numbers on this route increased by more than 50,000 people
and the number of cars by over 60 per cent! Viking XPRS allows combining the
best qualities of conventional passenger ferries and high-speed catamarans.
Comfort, friendly service and safety combined with a fast schedule in all
weather conditions are the leading goals. The trip across the Gulf of
Finland is estimated to take around two and a half hours. |
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Separate car deck as a new feature
Viking XPRS is a modern vessel with flexible solutions. It will have two
separate car decks, one of which is reserved for passenger cars only. This deck
is placed near the cabin decks and shopping facilities. The loading will be
simplified, as trucks are on separate deck.
Customer in focus
Viking XPRS is intended to satisfy the needs of many different customer groups.
Whether passengers with or without a car, one-way passengers, cruise passengers
or conference guests, they can all enjoy the trip and feel at home aboard. For
conference guests the vessel offers high-quality conference rooms with many
flexible solutions. The restaurant concepts will be innovative and modern, fully
adapted to the needs of this route. The large shopfacilities offer a wide
selection for shopping. Dance-lovers will find a number of attractive dance
floors.
High-quality interior decoration
Interior decoration plays a key role in creating a project that meets the
demands that people nowadays set for the trip. Viking Line chose the Finnish
architect Lasse Heikkinen who has previously designed several luxury cruisers
and hotels, and architect agency Tillberg Design, acknowledged around the world
in the cruise liner industry and has worked with Viking Line in all new vessel
projects since the late 1980s.
Minimal effect on the environment
In terms of environment Viking XPRS will be exceptional. For example the
following measures have been taken:
• All main engines and auxiliary engines will be equipped with catalytic
cleansing systems, ie. the technology that has the highest direct purification
value today.
• As for waste water, nothing – neither black, grey nor bilge water – will be
pumped overboard. Everything will be collected into the ship’s tanks and pumped
ashore.
• The vessel’s all fuel tanks are protected above the double bottom. This means
that damage in the vessel’s bottom will not damage the oil tanks. This way it is
possible to avoid oil spills and environmental damage.
• All waste fractions intended to be handled separately will be collected in
their own containers, taken ashore separately and handled there according to
valid regulations. All solid waste will be crushed, collected in appropriate
containers and taken separately ashore. Food waste will be separated from other
waste, crushed and collected in a tank, and then pumped to a tank truck and
taken ashore.
• The noise level of the vessel will be very low. Viking XPRS will be a quiet
vessel, because engine noise, ventilation and other loud functions are equipped
with noise abatement and extra low noise level limits.
• No toxic paint will be used to keep the vessel’s bottom clear; the bottom will
be regularly brushed clean by divers.
Technical data:
Passenger certificate: 2,500
Vehicle deck: Two separate vehicle decks, including one for cars only
Length: 185 m
Width: 27.7 m
Draught: 6.55 m
Gross tonnage: 34,000
Engine output: 40,000 kW
Cruising speed: 25 knots
Finnish ice class: 1 A super
Further information:
Nils-Erik Eklund, Managing Director
Viking Line Abp
Tel: 018-27000
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