Viking Grace returns from US$82M drydocking

Viking Grace has been docked in Naantali, Finland, for a €7.0M (US$8.2M) makeover, performed by more than 300 shipyard workers. 

Service work was carried out on the vessel’s rudder, propeller shaft system and bow thruster. The electric generators, bow propellers and propulsion engines were checked and all systems adjusted to maximise operational safety and to minimise the vessel’s environmental impact. 

In addition, the vessel’s bottom was painted to improve corrosion protection and optimise fuel consumption, the control system serving the roro equipment was replaced, and the HI‑FOG sprinkler system and cargo handling equipment on the car deck were maintained.

“Drydockings are a crucial part of maintaining the vessel’s safety, energy efficiency and value. Regular maintenance and technical improvements guarantee a high level of operational safety while reducing emissions. It is great that our Finnish-flagged vessel, which was built at the Perno Shipyard, could be serviced in Naantali,” said Viking Grace intendant, Sari Launonen.

Along with the technical work, Viking Grace’s interiors and public spaces were updated in the three-week drydocking. The vessel’s 1,600-m² tax-free shop has been given a new, fresh look, and its Archipelago Spa has a new pool for cold bathing and new showers.

The carpeting in the stairwells has been replaced, and new wallpaper has been applied. In the Vogue nightclub, the furniture was updated, and the 90-m² dance floor was replaced.

“People danced and partied so hard on Vogue’s dance floor for 13 years that there was nothing left of the parquet floor to sand. The new oak parquet floor will hold for at least 13 years,” Mr Launonen added.

Dual-fuelled Viking Grace, which makes evening departures from Turku, was launched in January 2013. It was the first passenger ship to deploy LNG.