By
Laura Hyde |
Viking Line’s Viking Cinderella is to return to operations following an extensive refurbishment at the Turku Repair Yard in Naantali, Finland. The ferry will begin sailing the route between Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden, in March 2024.
The most visible change following the ferry’s €9 million ($9.7million) renovation is to the sides of the vessel, which have now been repainted bright red in keeping with Viking Line’s traditional colour. The interiors have also undergone an extensive refurbishment, with nearly 300 cabins, the spa facilities and many of the vessel’s public spaces being refreshed.
“[Viking] Cinderella hasn’t been in service in Finland for nearly two decades, and to celebrate its return, we want it to shine as the Baltic Sea’s own Cinderella,” said Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, senior vice president of corporate communications at Viking Line. “In 1964 – exactly 60 years ago – the shipping company was looking for a colour for the hull of its vessel Apollo, and it took the bold red tone from the Mexican Fire lipstick used by the sister of one of the company’s founders. Since then, this distinct shade of red has been our brand colour.”
Viking Line made numerous technical upgrades to the 35-year-old vessel, which is one-of-a-kind as no sister ship has ever been built. New Elogrids will reduce water resistance while the vessel is operating, while a LeanMarine system will optimise engine output and propeller steering. These technical upgrades mean the vessel’s carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 2,500 tonnes per year, according to the operator.
“Renewal and maintenance of our vessels throughout their life cycle are an important part of our sustainability work,” said Dani Lindberg, sustainability manager at Viking Line. “With these modifications now carried out, Cinderella’s annual carbon dioxide emissions will be cut by five per cent, that is up to 2,500 tonnes!”
This latest refurbishment project is Viking Cinderella’s 14th drydocking since it was built at the Perno Shipyard in Turku, Finland, in 1989.