By
Alex Smith |
Almaco has completed work on Viking Line’s new ferry Viking Glory, outfitting catering and cabin areas despite facing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The outfitter received a full turnkey order to design, build and deliver the catering and cabin areas for Viking Glory at the end of 2018. The scope of work included outfitting 1,124 passenger and crew cabins, along with all the galleys, bars, pantries and provision stores, and was completed at the Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry shipyard in China.
The construction phase started in April 2019 in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the team faced health and logistical challenges created by quarantines and China’s being closed.
“We really had to think on our feet and stay even more flexible in this project,” said John Petrie, vice president of project management for Almaco’s accommodation systems division. “Our team, subcontractors, and suppliers continuously worked with the yard and owner on several different scenarios to be able to adapt and react as quickly as possible. Viking Line had a very active presence in the project and the cooperation with them had a big impact on the success of the project. Despite the challenges in the project, we all made it over the finish line and the areas onboard look spectacular.”
Viking Glory features 10 restaurants, including theme restaurants, brasseries and a buffet created by Sweden’s National Culinary Team. The vessel also uses Almaco’s Galley Energy Management solution to monitor and control the energy usage of the equipment in the galleys.
“The catering areas that support the restaurants are well-equipped with modern and energy-saving solutions,” said Vincent Querard, project manager for Almaco’s catering systems division. “Additionally, they meet the highest quality standards for safety and hygiene in the industry.”
Viking Glory began operating on 1 March, travelling between Turku, Finland; Mariehamn, Åland Islands; and Stockholm, Sweden.