Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry laid the keel for Viking Line’s new LNG-powered cruise ferry, Viking Glory, at its shipyard in China on 3 June.

In accordance with maritime tradition, Viking Line placed commemorative coins under the first keel block to bring good luck during the construction period. The coins will be removed just before the ship launches from the building dock and then welded to the base of her mast at a later date.

Set to be delivered at the end of 2020, Viking Glory will operate on the route between Turku in Finland, the Åland Islands and Stockholm, Sweden from January 2021. The vessel will have capacity for 2,800 passengers.