Vard and Isotta Fraschini to satisfy Viking Octantis expectations

Vard and Isotta Fraschini have done a good job. Which one? Here is Viking Cruises’ version (and here something about IFUTURE).

Vard and Isotta Fraschini. A successful partnership

“Los Angeles (December 22, 2020) – Viking today announced its first expedition ship – the 378-guest Viking Octantis– was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. Scheduled to debut in early 2022, Viking Octantis will spend her maiden season sailing voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A second, identical expedition ship, Viking Polaris, is set to debut in summer 2022 and will sail journeys to Antarctica and the Arctic. «Working with Fincantieri over the last eight years, we have built the world’s most beautiful ocean ships. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Fincantieri’s VARD and celebrate this important milestone in the construction of our first expedition vessel,» said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. «In creating ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ we are perfecting polar expedition cruising, and we will usher in a new era of comfortable exploration in the heart of North America. Viking Octantis and her sister ship, Viking Polaris, will allow our guests to explore further – to the ends of the earth as well as closer to home. I would like to thank our partners at VARD and everyone working at the yard for the hard work and dedication on the building of Viking Octantis; we look forward to welcoming her to our fleet in early 2022.»

The float out is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out ceremony of Viking Octantis took place today, December 22; she was then moved to a nearby outfitting dock for further construction and interior build-out. After final outfitting, Viking Octantis will be delivered at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway.”

Isotta Fraschini V1712C2ME8

Here are some details about the 46.3 liters 16 cylinders diesel engine (BxS 170 x 170 mm), directly from the Isotta Fraschini page. “4-Stroke diesel engine with Bosch High Pressure Common Rail fuel injection system. Single modular cylinder head with 4 valves to optimize combustion and reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, in full compliance with the most stringent regulations in force. Supercharging system optimized for an efficient performance provision in all operating conditions, even in extreme environmental conditions.”