Viking Line Bins Option for Second Cruiseferry at Xiamen

Finland-based ferry company Viking Line has decided not to exercise the option to order another passenger vessel from China’s Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry.

The option was included in the shipbuilding contract signed with Xiamen in July 2017. 

Consequently, the option has expired, Viking Line said.

The deal, worth EUR 194 million (USD 241 million), includes a new cruise vessel intended for the Turku (Finland) – Åland Islands – Stockholm (Sweden) route.

Scheduled for delivery in 2020, the newbuilding will have a gross tonnage of 63,000 tons, a length of 218 meters and a capacity of 2,800 people.

Viking Line earlier said that the new energy-efficient vessel will be a collaborative project engaging a number of Finnish and other European suppliers.

With a fleet of seven vessels, the company provides passenger and cargo carrier services on the routes connecting Sweden, Finland and Estonia.