By
Alex Smith |
Viking Line’s new Viking Glory will feature a range of technical innovations and advanced solutions designed to reduce her environmental impact when she debuts in 2021.
The vessel will be the first to be equipped with Wärtsilä 31DF dual fuel engines, which will run on completely sulphur-free LNG fuel and also have the ability to operate on biogas when it becomes a viable alternative. This will enable Viking Glory to consume up to 10% less fuel than Viking Grace, which became the first wind-powered passenger ship in 2018.
“Viking Glory will have six 31DF engines for efficient optimisation of fuel consumption,” said Kari Granberg, project manager at Viking Line. “These engines have the lowest fuel consumption, but at the same time, the highest cylinder output in their segment.”
Viking Glory will also be the first ship to recover the waste cold generated by using LNG, recycling it for use in cold counters, cold rooms and other functions.
“Today, recovery of waste heat is already common, but to recycle waste cold for the purposes of refrigeration appliances and cold rooms is an innovative and highly climate-smart solution,” said Granberg. “Viking Line has carried out development work in collaboration with Wärtsilä, Projektia and Deltamarin.”
In addition, the ship will be equipped with a Climeon energy recycling system that converts waste heat from the engines into electricity. The system can generate up to 40% of the electricity required for the passenger functions. A dynamic air conditioning and lighting system will also be installed onboard to reduce energy consumption by setting cabins that are empty at departure to a power-saving mode.
The vessel will be the first passenger ship of its kind to utilise the Azipod propulsion unit manufactured by ABB as a means of saving time and energy when manoeuvring by facilitating faster turns in port. The hull design that decrease water resistance by approximately 8% compared to a traditional propeller system.
“Viking Line endeavours to be a forerunner of responsible navigation, and this goal is reflected in the design and construction of our new ships,” said Guestaf Eklund, head of development at Viking Line. “Those technological innovations we are now testing and developing jointly with our Nordic partners constitute the foundation for the novel cruise experiences through the archipelago.”