Birka´s New Cruise Vessel will be Birka Paradise
The cruise vessel to be delivered in autumn 2004 for Birka Line had to day its keel laid at Aker Finnyards in Rauma. The vessel will be named Birka Paradise. The name reflects the vessel´s concept, the pattern of a Caribbean luxury cruiser. Next year a dip in the pool and lunch under palm trees in an exotic atmosphere is possible also in the Baltic! Over 50 of the 3500 suggestions received in the name contest arranged last summer proposed “Birka Paradise”. The new vessel is a full-blooded cruiser without car decks. It will be 177 m long and 28 m wide comprising eleven decks, five of which are dedicated to passenger accommodation: there are cabins and suites for in all 1,800 passengers.
Aker Finnyards Sign Contract to Build New Cruise Vessel
Aker Finnyards and Birka Line have signed a contract for the building of a 1,800 passenger cruise vessel. The worth ca $ 155.2 million vessel to be delivered in 2004. The 581-ft. DNV`s Clean Design rule defining several environmental solutions as to the ship structures, and the Comfort Class rule securing a noiseless and vibration free environment for the passengers. In addition, the vessel of course complies with the same environmental quality standards as the already sailing Birka Princess, i.e. equipped with catalyzers and closed sewage treatment systems, with atoxic bottom painting etc. A novelty is also the energy saving automation in the cabins, which for the time being has been seen in some hotels.
Construction Begins for Birka Line’s New Cruise Vessel
14 Shipyards were competing last November for Birka Line’s newbuilding contract. Aker Finnyards won, and after the design period the production of the cruiser started today. The vessel, approximately $181M, is considered to be an environmentally friendly vessel- it fulfills two very new classification criteria; DNV’s Clean Design rule defining several environmental solutions as to the ship structures, and the Comfort Class rule securing a noiseless and vibration free environment. In addition, the vessel complies with the same environmental quality standards as the Birka Princess, which is equipped with an exhaust gas treatment system, closed sewage treatment systems, atoxic bottom painting etc.
