Work is in full swing at the XSI shipyard in Xiamen, China, where Viking Glory, claimed to be one of the world’s most climate-smart vessels, is taking shape.
To manage the work and assure quality, Viking Line has a team of 20 employees on site. Another 200 people from different partners are also involved in the work.
Viking Glory is expected to be completed in late 2021 and be launched in service in early 2022.
Construction work at the shipyard is led by project manager Kari Granberg, who together with engineers and team leaders from Finland, Åland and Sweden are overseeing the work and ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
“We examine blueprints, check documents and oversee the work. Some 800 people are currently working here, with about 200 of them from our different partners working on the interiors.
“Every day, we have a large number of inspections and tests of different systems and automation. We examine internal and external doors, oversee the painting and insulation work, sprinkler and ventilation systems, the running of cables and connections.
“Day by day, the work is progressing and the vessel is starting to take shape. It’s really inspiring us,” says Kari Granberg, Viking Glory’s project manager on site in Xiamen.
As early as the planning stage, Viking Line decided to hire important partners in the project to develop the vessel’s environmental technology details and develop innovative interiors with a focus on the customer experience.
These partners include ABB Marine, the architect firm Koncept, Climeon, Wärtsilä, Kone, Deltamarin, Scenso, ICF Group, TSI and Almaco. Of these companies, the following are currently working actively on the construction of the vessel:
Almaco is busy installing wall panels in corridors and finishing the cabins’ interior fittings. Carpeting has been installed on some decks. Major jobs are being carried out in kitchens and storage facilities.
Scenso (joint venture between Sance and North Sea Offshore Technology) is currently working on the public spaces. Wall panels are being installed in the tax-free shops, and work is also under way in some public areas, conference facilities and spa facilities.
ICF Group is working to complete the work in different restaurant areas. Total Solution Interiors (TSI) is currently working with the vessel’s stair system and with some restaurants, including the outdoor summer restaurant on deck.
The next steps in the construction work are to further test the Azipod propulsion system, cool the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks and supply LNG fuel for the first test sailings, which are planned for June.
Using ABB’s Azipod propulsion system, the vessel will be easier to manoeuvre in ports, which will save both time and fuel. Vibrations and noise will also be reduced.
Waste cooling from LNG will also be reused on Viking Glory. Air conditioning, refrigerated display cases, cold storage units and other specialised facilities will be able to utilise the new technology.
Facts about Viking Glory
To be delivered in late 2021
Estimated launch in service early 2022 on the Turku–Åland–Stockholm route
Capacity 2,800 passengers
922 cabins
Crew of about 200 + 200 people
Length 222.6 metres, gross tonnage 63,813 tonnes
Cargo capacity 1,500 metres
Ice class 1A Super
Fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Being built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, Ltd at its shipyard in China
Viking Line’s newbuild is taking part in a Finnish-Swedish EU project. Viking Line, together with the Port of Turku, the Ports of Stockholm, the Port of Mariehamn and the City of Turku, has been granted EU aid from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme for the joint EU project NextGen Link.
