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21/1/2013 - World first as LNG-powered Viking Grace is delivered



World first as LNG-powered Viking Grace is delivered

The world’s most environmentally friendly large passenger ship, Viking Grace, was delivered at STX Finland’s Turku shipyard last week.Apart from its unique green credentials, the vessel’s two standout features are its LNG-powered Wartsila engines and its safe return to port compliance technology.

Such was the vessel’s much anticipated arrival that tickets for its maiden voyage on Tuesday from Turku to Stockholm were sold out months in advance. Interestingly, Viking Grace, with its almost emission-free performance, will be ideally suited to the sensitive and delicate waters of the Baltic Sea.

 

 

“Not only does this ship have LNG as fuel gas technology installed but it is also designed for safe return to port compliance. This involves advanced levels of control technology and risk assessment not traditionally applied to cruise ferries,” said John Hicks, Lloyd’s Register’s VP for Passenger Ships.

“Attention to detail and the vast experience of Lloyd’s Register’s engineers have played a crucial part in supporting this project and ensuring the design review, testing and trials of this novel vessel have gone smoothly, providing confidence for a good future operating in the Baltic.

“Customer perception is optimum to the owner, Viking Line. This is clearly demonstrated by the number of passengers looking forward to the sold out inaugural voyage from Turku to Stockholm. LR is pleased to have played a part together with all those involved in providing a better experience in a better world,” added John.

Construction works on the new ship commenced in September 2011 at STX Europe's shipyard in Turku, located in the region of Finland Proper.

The keel laying ceremony was held at the shipyard in March 2012 .Approximately 14,000t of steel were used in the ship's construction.

Viking Grace has been especially designed to cruise in the tenuous and shallow waters of the Finnish and Swedish archipelago. The ferry's hull has been hydro-dynamically optimised to induce the lowest possible swells, which is very crucial when transiting through an archipelago.

The vessel is equipped with Wärtsilä's dual-fuel technology. This will allow her to sail on three alternative fuels: the traditional heavy fuel oil, diesel or liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is the most economical and environmentally fit fuel solution.
The dual-fuel engines will be operated and run on LNG. As a result, the emission of nitrogen oxide will be 80% less than the IMO's (International Maritime Organisation) existing specified level. In addition, Viking Grace's engine will emit more than 90% less particulate matter than the diesel engines.

Modern soundproofing technology is used to keep the noise level at the lowest possible levels. Another innovative feature of the vessel is the use of light-emitting diode (LED) lights for entertainment aboard the vessel. These consume less electricity than the conventional halogen and arc lamps.
The length of the vessel's cargo lanes is 1.275km, and half a kilometre is reserved for passenger cars on hoistable deck four. In addition, there will be an extra space of half a kilometre on deck five, also for cars.

 

Cabin types aboard Viking Line's Finnish ferry

Viking Line's new build ferry has the capacity to accommodate 2,800 passengers in 880 cabins. All the passenger cabins are fitted out on decks five through nine and are installed with advanced TVs, radios and hair dryers.
The number of cabins furnished with a double bed are more than 170. Passengers staying in seaside cabins will be able to view the sea through large windows. Inside cabins will be located on the other side of the corridor with outside cabins.
Premium cabins (total 48), located on decks seven, eight and nine, are provided with a double bed and a sofa which can be used as a bed. Located on deck six, family cabins (inside and outside)  offer accommodation for families with children.

SOURCE : Lloyd’s Register 

                     Ship-technology.com

 

 

 

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