The launch of a ship is one of the oldest ceremonies within shipbuilding. During this ceremony the ship becomes waterborne for the first time. Viking Line’s new vessel M/S Viking Grace, currently under construction at STX Finland shipyard in Turku with the working name NB 1376, will be launched on August 10th.
NB 1376 represents a completely new generation of ferries and will offer innovative, alluring and exciting experiences to 2,800 passengers. The newbuild concept incorporates environmentally friendly solutions, such as LNG and electrical propulsion, thus she will be able to comply with the 2015 Baltic regulation on gas emissions.
Vessel Particulars:
Length – 214 + 4 m
Width – 31.8 m
Speed – 22 knots
Gross tonnage – 57,000 DWT
Route – Turku-Mariehamn/Långnäs-Stockholm
Classification – Lloyd’s Register
Flag state – Finland
Passenger capacity – 2,800
Lane metres: Cargo 1,275 m, cars 500 m on Deck 4 plus 500 m on Deck 5
Planned delivery date: January 10, 2013
The ferry will begin scheduled service on January 15, 2013.
[mappress]
Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, August 10, 2012; Image: nb1376