Viking Star Towed into London

Kotug Rotortugs RT Ambition and RT Evolution were charged with a special task this morning as they towed new cruise ship Viking Star on her first call to the Port of London.

RT Ambition and RT Evolution towed Viking Star through the Thames Tidal Barrier on the Upper River Thames and assisted her to swing and berth at Greenwich, towage operator Kotug said.

At 228 meters long, Viking star is the largest vessel to call Central London, requiring moorings to be specially lengthened to accommodate the cruise ship, the Port of London Authority (PLA) said.

“Viking Star is the longest ship we have moored at our Greenwich ship tier, and it’s a pleasure to welcome her,” said PLA deputy harbor master upper, Ryan Hall. “On average, 170 metres is as long as our visiting ships get.”

Kotug’s newest Hybrid Rotortug RT Evolution welcomed the cruise ship by performing a pirouette.

Viking Cruises’ The Viking Star embarked on her maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice on April 15, and is on her way to be officially christened in Bergen, Norway during a celebration on May 17.

The ship weighs 47,800 metric tons and has accommodation for 930 passengers in 465 staterooms.

According to the PLA, Viking Star’s arrival continues a trend of larger ships calling on the Thames. The largest ever containership on the river, the 399-meter long Munkebo Maersk, was guided to her berth at DPWorld London Gateway by PLA pilots earlier this year.