On April 21, Aker Yards delivered the fast passenger-car ferry, Viking XPRS, for Viking Line. The vessel worth EUR 130 million gave 700 man years of work for the yard.
The environmentally friendly fast ferry designed to carry passengers and cars between in and in is intended for year-around service regardless of weather conditions. The new ferry represents an entirely new concept in ferry service, bringing together the best qualities of conventional car ferries and catamarans. The emphasis is on customer comfort, e.g. modern innovative restaurants and a high class conference center.
The 185 m long and 27.7 m wide vessel takes 2,500 passengers, and is driven by 40 MW engines giving the vessel a speed of 25 knots.