Viking Line’s 1989-built ro-pax ‘Viking Cinderella’ is undergoing a makeover at the Naantali shipyard in Turku prior to its return to service between Helsinki and Stockholm in March 2024.
The vessel, which was previously painted white, has had its sides painted in Viking Line’s red livery and the interiors, including nearly 300 cabins, have undergone an extensive refurbishment. The investment in technical upgrades will reduce the vessel’s CO2 emissions by 2,500t per year.
Among many technical upgrades, the most important were the installation of so-called Elogrids, produced in Finland, to reduce water resistance while the vessel is operating, and the installation of the LeanMarine system to optimise engine output and propeller steering.
Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, SVP Corporate Communications Viking Line said: “Cinderella hasn’t been in service to Finland for nearly two decades, and to celebrate its return, we want it to shine as the Baltic Sea’s own Cinderella. In 1964 – exactly 60 years ago – the shipping company was looking for a colour for the hull of its vessel Apollo, and it took the bold red tone from the Mexican Fire lipstick used by the sister of one of the company’s founders. Since then, this distinct shade of red has been our brand colour.”
The Finnish winter weather during the January docking made painting the 191m vessel was an even greater challenge than usual.
Mathias Sundberg, Viking Line Technical Manager said: “The great variation in temperature conditions is the greatest challenge for painting outdoors, but after a careful analysis we decided to tackle the job. The deep frost in early January was actually a stroke of luck for us since the weather was dry then. Some 30 professionals worked day and night on the repainting. With their help, more than 2,000 litres of paint were used on Cinderella’s sides over the course of two weeks.”
The extensive work was just part of the two-week dry-docking, which cost €9m and employed some 350 people.
Dani Lindberg, Sustainability Manager Viking Line said: “Renewal and maintenance of our vessels throughout their life cycle are an important part of our sustainability work. With these modifications now carried out, Cinderella’s annual CO2 emissions will be cut by 5%, that is, up to 2,500t, and at the same time the remaining useful life of the 35 year-old vessel will be extended.”
According to IMO regulations, passenger ferries must now be dry-docked every 2.5 years. Viking Cinderella has now been dry-docked for the 14th time.
