Viking Line hires a dual-fuel ferry in China for 2020

Viking Line has signed a letter of intent with the Chinese shipyard Xiamen for the construction of a liquefied natural gas-powered ferry, which is expected to be in service in the spring of 2020. It will be destined for the Turku-Mariehamn-Stockholm route, and the agreement includes the option for a second vessel. The final contract will be signed in the spring of 2017.

Viking Line already has experience using this type of fuel, as the ferry “Viking Grace” has been one of the first in the world to utilize it. The knowledge in environmental solutions and innovative applications in energy efficiency have been crucial for the project of the new vessel.

The investment for the new vessel is estimated at 190 million euros. The project is the result of collaboration among Finnish and European suppliers, such as Delta Marine, Wärtsilä, and ABB Marine, among others. It is a 63,000 gross ton vessel with a length of 218 meters, capable of carrying 2,800 passengers and 1,500 linear meters for roll-on/roll-off cargo.

Photo: Viking Line