VARD - Experts & Thought Leaders

“Viking Vela”, the first of a new series of cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for the shipowner - Viking, has been delivered at the yard in Ancona. The unit is placed in the small cruise ship segment. She has a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tons, is equipped with 499 cabins and is able to accommodate 998 passengers on board. Navigation and safety regulations Viking Vela is the 13th ship delivered to Viking by the Fincantieri Group, including the two expedition cruise vessels built by the Norwegian subsidiary - Vard. Considering the ships ordered to date, and the contracts and options agreements signed in the last months whose finalisation is subject to access to financing as per industry practice, the strong and long-lasting relationship between Fincantieri and Viking encompasses 26 ships. The Viking ships are built according to the latest navigation and safety regulations, and are equipped with high-efficiency engines and systems that minimise the pollution of exhaust gases, and that meet the strictest environmental regulations.

Complex shipbuilding projects demand efficient system integration and commissioning from suppliers to meet tight construction schedules. Vard Electro has demonstrated its proven competence in this area with a debut delivery for the Ulstein Verft shipyard of integrated SeaQ Communication solutions for two advanced newbuild CSOVs now delivered by the Norwegian yard for Olympic. Diverse SeaQ systems “The ability to see the bigger picture of such a system delivery is essential to overcome potential obstacles in the integration process and ensure efficient execution of a newbuilding project,” says Vard Electro’s Project Manager Fredrik Løken. “As such, we have benefitted from being part of the Vard shipbuilding group as this has given us broad experience and strong expertise in the installation and integration of diverse SeaQ systems delivered for scores of newbuilding projects. This means we understand the challenges as both a product supplier and system installer so we can provide a seamless implementation.” Sustainability factor Ground-breaking newbuilds are the first CSOVs to employ Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN® solution The initial delivery for Ulstein on the two construction service operation vessels (CSOVs), Olympic Boreas and Olympic Notos, to be deployed in the offshore energy sector has proven a prestigious project for Vard Electro that underpins its sustainability goal, while also launching a successful collaboration between yard and supplier. The ground-breaking newbuilds are the first CSOVs to employ Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN® solution with four main propellers fore and aft to optimise the use of thruster power in dynamic positioning. SeaQ Communication package This, together with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, battery storage and smart energy management, has resulted in a reduction in fuel consumption of close to 50%, according to Olympic. The green profile of these vessels is supported by the SeaQ Communication package of robust information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure geared to enhancing safety and operational efficiency, as well as the comfort of crews during prolonged stints at sea. Tailored communication system Vard Electro has supplied a state-of-the-art ICT package for each vessel comprising communication Vard Electro has supplied a state-of-the-art ICT package for each vessel comprising communication, safety and crew welfare systems, including CCTV for security and navigation, internal voice communication system (VCS), public address and general alarm system (PAGA) and IPTV entertainment system, along with IT racks, networking and integration services. Løken points out that CCTV is vital for precise navigation, such as in port or between wind turbines, while emergency situations necessitate effective communications, both between crew members and over the PAGA system, to ensure the safety of personnel. Modular SeaQ Communication Furthermore, IPTV contributes to a comfortable environment for crew during leisure time to ensure they can rest properly between shifts. The modular SeaQ Communication solutions are scalable and flexible so could be tailored to specific client and class requirements for the Olympic vessels, having been previously delivered by Vard Electro for more than 100 units, including several CSOVs, according to Løken. Support from design to operation Vard Electro’s comprehensive knowledge of the entire scope of a newbuild, as well as relevant class standards and regulations, meant it was able to provide valuable input and assistance to Ulstein in the design and engineering phases to support system integration. Vard Electro’s true aftermarket unit assists shipowners in the active phase of a vessel During construction and commissioning, its in-house electrical installation team could prioritise tasks, make necessary adaptations and effectively work around challenges, as well as co-ordinate with sub-suppliers for timely procurement of equipment. Furthermore, Vard Electro’s dedicated aftermarket division assists shipowners in the operational phase of a vessel by providing additional components for system upgrades, while service engineers involved in commissioning also perform ongoing maintenance to ensure continuity of expertise and support. Expanding deliveries to external yards “This initial collaboration with Ulstein has given us the opportunity to demonstrate Vard Electro is a trusted and reliable supplier able to deliver high-quality systems with efficient integration and commissioning that are vital to successful project execution throughout the newbuilding cycle. It has also contributed to strengthening the Norwegian maritime cluster,” Løken says. Vard Electro now aims to build on its positive relationship with Ulstein, as it also seeks to expand the scope of deliveries to external yards with broader integrations of the SeaQ suite of systems, covering power, bridge & navigation, control, communication and remote operations.

Fincantieri is pleased to announce that it has signed contracts with Viking for the construction of two new cruise ships, based on the successful features of the previous vessels, which Fincantieri has already built for this shipowner in its Italian yards. The units will be delivered in 2030. Fincantieri and Viking have also reached an agreement for four additional ships in option with deliveries scheduled for 2031 and 2032. Latest environmental rules Fincantieri and Viking for the effect of eco-friendly fuels and sustainable zero-emission power age systems The new ships will be built according to the latest environmental rules and navigation regulations and will be equipped with the most modern safety systems. They will boast all innovations made available by the ongoing cooperation between Fincantieri and Viking for the development of eco-friendly fuels and of sustainable zero-emission power generation systems. The agreement reflects the strong and long-lasting relationship between Fincantieri and Viking-dating back to 2012 - and whose collaboration encompasses, as of now, a total of 22 ships, including the two purpose-built expedition units of the Norwegian subsidiary - Vard. Naval engineering innovation Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented: "This new order represents another step forward in our collaboration with Viking, further consolidating Fincantieri as a global pioneer in naval engineering innovation. This agreement not only strengthens our order book, but it ensures further depth of work in our shipyards over the long term, positioning us at the forefront of driving the industry towards energy transition." Pierroberto Folgiero adds, "Our ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies is a testament to our commitment to building ships for tomorrow, aligned with the climate challenges and opportunities in the cruise industry, as outlined in our Industrial Plan."