Work was claimed to be in full swing at the Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI) shipyard in Xiamen, China, on one of the world’s most climate-smart vessels – the ropax ‘Viking Glory’.
To manage the work properly and assure quality, Viking Line has a team of around 20 employees on site.
Another 200 people from partner companies are also involved.
‘Viking Glory’ is expected to be completed late this year and enter service in early 2022.
Construction work at the shipyard is led by project manager Kari Granberg (pictured), who together with engineers and team leaders from Finland, Åland and Sweden are overseeing the work and ensuring compliance with safety requirements, Viking Line said.
“Right now our days are spent examining blueprints, checking documents and overseeing the work. Some 800 people are currently working here, with about 200 of them from our different partners working on the interiors.
“Every day, we have a large number of inspections and tests of different systems and automation. We examine internal and external doors, oversee the painting and insulation work, sprinkler and ventilation systems, the running of cables and connections. Day by day, the work is progressing and the vessel is starting to take shape. It’s really inspiring us,” said Granberg, ‘Viking Glory’s’ project manager on site at Xiamen.
Partners include ABB Marine, the architect firm Koncept, Climeon, Wärtsilä, Kone, Deltamarin, Scenso, ICF Group, TSI and Almaco.
Of these, the following are currently working actively on the construction of the vessel:
Almaco – installing wall panels in corridors and finishing the cabins’ interior fittings. Carpeting has been installed on some decks. Major jobs are being carried out in kitchens and storage facilities.
Scenso (joint venture between Sance and North Sea Offshore Technology) – currently working on the public spaces. Wall panels are being installed in the tax-free shops, and work is also under way in some public areas, conference facilities and spa facilities.
ICF Group – working in different restaurant areas.
Total Solution Interiors (TSI) – currently working on the vessel’s stair system and with some restaurants, including the outdoor summer restaurant on deck.
The next steps in the construction work are to further test the Azipod propulsion system, cool the LNG tanks and supply LNG fuel for the first test sailings, which are planned for June.
Thanks to ABB’s Azipod propulsion system, the vessel will be easier to manoeuvre in ports, which will save both time and fuel. Vibrations and noise will also be reduced.
Waste cooling from LNG will also be re-used on the ropax. Air conditioning, refrigerated display cases, cold storage units and other specialised facilities will be able to use the new technology.
“We’re really pleased that we’ve come so far in the work. We’ve had some challenges because of the pandemic, but they’ve been worked out. Right now, there are 20 people here at the site office. A few more will be arriving, but it’s a challenge to travel here because of the strict quarantine restrictions.
“Some of us have not been home for a year and a half because of them. It’s been unusually cold for this time of year, due to the La Niña weather phenomenon, but now it’s starting to get warmer. We’ve experienced a great deal here in Xiamen and are all proud to be part of building this beautiful vessel,” Granberg added.
