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Italy-based Fincantieri, a titan among shipbuilders, has set sail with Viking Ocean Cruises in a maritime alliance that echoes across the waves. The contract, inked on June 21, 2024, heralds the construction of two ships—still nameless but destined for greatness. These vessels, weighing approximately 54,000 gross tons, will gracefully navigate the seas, accommodating 998 guests across 499 cabins. Viking’s Scandinavian Elegance A Symphony of Design Viking Ocean Cruises, a unit of Switzerland-based Viking, is renowned for its small yet captivating ocean-going ships. With a nod to Scandinavian minimalism, these all-balcony vessels evoke austere beauty. Like a Nordic dawn, their interiors blend simplicity and warmth—an invitation to explore the world’s blue horizons. A Proven Partnership Fincantieri and Vikings have danced this maritime waltz before. Their previous collaboration birthed Viking Saturn and Viking Neptune, both masterpieces crafted in Fincantieri’s Italian shipyards. Viking Saturn christened in New York in June 2023, and Viking Neptune, named in Los Angeles in January 2023, set the stage for this latest crescendo. Fueling the Future Viking’s commitment to sustainability remains unwavering. While specifics on fuel sources and emission technologies are yet to be revealed, the company’s pioneering spirit shines. With its experimental hydrogen fuel cell module, Viking Neptune exemplifies green innovation. The US Department of Energy hails this technology as “not only pollution-free but also more than twice as efficient as traditional combustion.” A Net Zero Voyage Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri’s CEO and Managing Director, declares this order a milestone. It cements its partnership with Viking and positions Fincantieri as the shipbuilder of choice for vessels embracing current and future energy sources. Together, they sail toward a net-zero horizon, leading the industry into a sustainable era. Viking Saturn: A New Chapter From Tilbury to the Northern Lights Viking Saturn, the newest addition to Viking’s fleet, embarks from Tilbury (London). Its 14-day cruises trace a poetic route to Bergen, Norway. It also calls at Dover, Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast, Anglesey Island, and the Scottish gems of Edinburgh, Invergordon, and Orkney Islands. A Mediterranean Odyssey As autumn and winter weave their magic, Viking Saturn charts new courses. Voyages between Rome and Athens beckon, while Barcelona becomes a gateway to Rome, Venice, and Istanbul. Each embarkation port whispers tales of ancient civilizations and modern marvels. A Reawakening Industry Fincantieri’s Confirmation This contract signifies more than steel and rivets—it’s a testament to the cruise industry’s resurgence. Like sails catching the wind, guest numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Fincantieri’s shipyards hum with life once more. A Symphony of Shipbuilding Viking isn’t alone in its quest for new horizons. Fincantieri’s shipyards echo with orders from other leading cruise brands. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—all sail toward a future where sustainability and luxury intertwine. As the sun kisses the waves, Fincantieri and Viking unfurl their sails. Together, they navigate toward a greener, grander tomorrow.
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