Fincantieri’s Marghera cuts steel for Viking Star

[HostDave]

Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard cut steel for Viking Cruises’ first ocean-going ship, Viking Star.

A Friday ceremony at the yard was attended by Torstein Hagen, founder and ceo of Viking, while Fincantieri was represented by Gabriele Cocco, evp merchant vessels, and Attilio Dapelo, the Marghera yard manager.

Viking Star’s delivery is scheduled for the beginning of 2015.

The ship has been designed by SMC Design of London, while Rottet Studio in Los Angeles is working on the interiors. The 47,800gt ship will have 464 cabins and accommodate 944 passengers.

This project adds a new brand to Fincantieri’s list of cruise ship customers. The contract for Viking Star, signed last year, includes the construction of a second ship scheduled for delivery in 2016.

Fincantieri and Viking have also signed an agreement that is being finalized for the construction of two additional passenger vessels with an option for two more.