| Viking orders two ocean vessels

Viking River Cruises has
surprised the industry again by
moving into ocean cruising,
with two 888-pax luxury ships
on the way.
SHIPBUILDER STX France has received an
order to build two 444-cabin ocean-going
vessels for a new affiliate of Viking River
Cruises called Viking Ocean Cruises.
STX announced today that the ships will be
delivered separately in the first half of 2014
and 2015, with construction on the first one to
start in September 2012.
An option for a third ship is also being
considered.
Both ships will accommodate 888 passengers,
444 crew and measure 230 metres in length.
The vessels are expected to operate primarily
in the Mediterranean and be targeted at the
line’s Australian, American and British clients.
According to STX, the contract, which
represents about 2.5 million man-hours at
France’s St. Nazaire shipyard, is subject to
financing.
“We are proud to have been selected by
Viking to build their new series of ships and
delighted to contribute to their expansion into
a new market,” said Jacques Hardelay, general
manager of STX France, in a statement.
STX France has previously built vessels for
major lines including MSC Cruises and Hapag
Lloyd and recently cancelled a contract to build
a Libyan cruise ship for General National
Maritime Transport Company after funding fell
through.
Viking currently operates 23 vessels in
Europe, Asia and Egypt, and has a further six
river ships under construction.
Earlier this year, the line revealed an
unprecedented four newbuilds will debut in
Europe in March 2012 and then beat its own
industry record by announcing another two.
In total, the company plans to undertake
several complete refurbishments and
introduce 10 new longships by 2014,
reinforcing its position as the world’s largest
river cruise line.
This latest move will see two ocean vessels
added to the ever-expanding fleet.
It is understood the ocean vessels will similarly
be designed with destination cruising in mind.