$135-Million Luxury Cruise Vessel Ordered From Wartsila Marine By Finnish Shipowner Birka Line

Birka Line Ab and Wartsila Marine have signed a contract for a new $135-million luxury cruise vessel to be delivered in the autumn of 1990.

The 32,000-gross-registered-ton vessel, with accommodations for 1,700 passengers, will be built at the Turku Shipyard.

This newbuilding represents a new type. The design and development are based on experiences gained from the owner's new delivery the M/S Birka Princess, which will be used for cruising after a $3-million conversion at HDW in Kiel, West Germany, next year. The newbuilding will replace the Birka Princess on the Stockholm-Mariehamn route.

Compared to the Birka Princess, the number of passenger cabins on the newbuilding has been increased by 36 percent, with considerably more spacious cabins and public spaces. Several single cabins have also been included, along with a discotheque, roundview bar, and a large sauna and fitness area adjacent to the sun decks.

The 568-foot-long by 91-footbreadth newbuilding, which conforms to the highest international cruise and safety standards, is also designed and equipped for service in tropical waters.

The hull form is specifically designed to minimize the size of waves produced by the vessel and is also configured to reduce suction in proximity to the hull. Both features are of utmost importance for navigation in narrow channels and in proximity to beaches.

The cruise ship is capable of speeds up to 21 knots. It is propelled by four medium-speed diesels providing a total power output of 21,000 kw which drive two controllable- pitch propellers through reduction gears. In addition, four auxiliary generators totaling 10,000 kw are installed to provide electrical power for hotel and accommodation services.

Each diesel has its own exhaust gas boiler for waste heat to enhance the fuel economy of the vessel. Other features include the installation of fin-stabilizers to improve passenger comfort and modern water purification plants.

For free literature giving complete details on the facilities and capabilities of Wartsila Marine, Circle 20 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 6, Nov 1988

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.