STX Turku floats out LNG fueled cruise ferry

AUGUST 10, 2012 — The LNG-fueled 218 m cruise ferry M/S Viking Grace is a step nearer to entering service with Viking Line. Designed to be the most environmentally friendly large cruise ferry of all time, the ship was floated out this morning at STX Europe’s Turku, Finland, shipyard. The float-out ceremony was witnessed by representatives of Viking Line, STX Finland and the classification society Lloyd’s Register, invited guests and members of the press.

Not only are air emissions dramatically lower thanks to the use of LNG as fuel, but emissions into the sea have been totally eliminated.

To be delivered to the customer by the Turku Shipyard at the beginning of 2013, will operate on the Turku (Finland) –Åland Islands–Stockholm (Sweden) route. When completed, the vessel will have provided some 2,600 man-years of labor to the shipbuilder.

“We are very pleased to be able to float out this magnificent cruise ferry according to plans. The project has progressed in good collaboration with the client and vendors. After this float out, the works will continue actively by final installation of the various systems of the ship and by interior outfitting. The ship will be ready for delivery to the customer at the beginning of next year,” says Jari Anttila, EVP and COO of STX Finland, and Director of STX Turku Shipyard.

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