Fifty years of ferry service



Viking Grace receives international environmental prize Viking Line's flagship M/S Viking Grace has been awarded an international environmental prize for its sustainable solutions. Viking Grace received the 2014 Skål Sustainable Tourism Award in Mexico on Sunday. The jury describes the Viking Grace as the most environmentally friendly cruise ship in the world, setting the standard for the whole industry.

The winners were revealed during the Skål World Congress in Mexico City on Sunday, October 26. Skål, the International Association of Travel and Tourism, is the world's largest organization of its kind with members in more than 80 countries.
The Viking Grace, winner in the category of transportation after being nominated by Skål International Helsinki, was planned and built with an environmental focus. Sustainable solutions are found throughout the vessel: from green technology in the machine room and a fuel-saving hull design to energy-saving LED lighting and its own carbonated water in recycleable bottles. The jury especially praises the vessel's fuel system, which significantly reduces emissions.
"Its technological innovation of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power the ferry and its waste management practices are outstanding. This project has the potential to set a new standard for green sea-based travel," the jury states.
The Viking Grace, the newest vessel in Viking Line's fleet, has received several prizes for its environmental solutions. The combination of green values, a modern design and a wide range of services for passengers of all ages has been a success. The Viking Grace carried more than a million passengers in 2013, its first year in service between Turku, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.
"Viking Line's goal is to be a pioneer in sustainable solutions at sea. We are honoured by the Skål award, which we regard as evidence that both the industry and the public appreciate our environmental efforts," says Susanna Airola, Environmental Coordinator at Viking Line.
Skål, founded in 1934, started the award program in 2002 to promote conservation of the environment and the development of responsible and sustainable tourism.

For more information, please contact:

Susanna Airola, Environmental Coordinator, susanna.airola@vikingline.com, phone +358 18 27 000
www.skal.orghttp://www.skalfinland.com/www.skalfinland.com
Johanna Boijer-Svahnström,
Head of Communication, Corporate Communications, johanna.boijer@vikingline.com
phone +358 18 277 48

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