MS Viking I

Last updated
Viking I Thoresen Car Ferries June 1967.jpg
Viking I in Dover's Eastern Docks, 1967
History
Name
  • Viking I
  • Viking Victory
  • Neptunia
  • Media II
  • Media V
  • Edi
Owner Ionian Sky Ferry, (2007–2008)
OperatorIonian Sky Ferry (2007–2008)
Port of registry Limassol, Cyprus (until 2008)
RouteInitially, service between Southampton and Cherbourg
Builder Kaldnes Mekaniske Verksted A/S, Tønsberg, Norway
Launched31 January 1964
Completed1964
Maiden voyage11 May 1964
In service1964
Out of service2008
Identification IMO number:  6407652
FateScrapped in 2008
General characteristics
Type RORO car and passenger ferry
Tonnage5,440  GRT
Length99.5 m (326 ft 5 in)
Beam23.19 m (76 ft 1 in)
Draught4.42 m (14 ft 6 in)
Propulsion2 × Pielstick Lindholmens 12 PC2V 400
Speed18.5 knots (34.3 km/h; 21.3 mph)
Capacity940 passengers, 180 cars

MS Viking I was a roll-on/roll-off car and passenger ferry and was last owned by Ionian Sky Ferry before being scrapped in 2008. She originally entered service with Otto Thoresen of Thoresen Ferries for service between Southampton and Cherbourg across the English Channel.

Revolutionary design

Viking I was designed by naval architect Tage Wandborg in the early 1960s. She was a drive-through car ferry and was a significant and revolutionary design, being one of the first of her kind to operate from the UK across the Western English channel. Viking I was in operation on the Southampton to Cherbourg and Le Havre routes from 1964 for Otto Thoresen's Thoresen Ferries.

References