Viking Line, the Finnish cruise ferry operator that has a 58,000 gross ton cruise ferry of a new type on order at STXFinland in Turku, says financing of the vessel is not yet in place.
“Design work for a newbuilding that will be employed in service between Turku-Maarianhamina/Langnas-Stockholm has progressed according to plan. However, the European Commission as not yet approved a €28 million environmental grant granted by the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications. The environmental grant is an essential part of the financing of the vessel,” Viking line said in a statement.
It is the only major passenger vessel on order at the Finnish shipbuilder, save for P&O Ferries' Spirit of France that is nearing completion at the STX shipyard in Rauma.
Viking Line group reported a net profit of €1.3 million for three months to 30 June on revenues of €130.8 million, compared to €1.1 million and €126.9 million respectively in the same period last year.
