The first block

First block of hull nº258 (Ro-Ro Car & Passenger) laid in Viana Yard’s building platform, the 14th November 2007.

This vessel will operate in the Azores Islands and is expected to call all the nine islands on a weekly basis, during the mid-June to mid-September period.

Within a few months there will be a brand new vessel inside this building platform

First block being lowered down the platform

Careful positioning is of paramount importance

Watch your fingers!

First block in position

There comes the second

It's like building a Lego after all... I hope they didn't forget the lucky coin!

Her main particulars:

LOA: 97 m
Beam: 18 m
Draft: 4,6 m
Cruise speed: 19 knots
Propulsion: Diesel-Electric with azimuth thrusters
Passengers: 750
Vehicles: 140
Class: Lloyd’s Register of Shipping “Confort Class” – PCAC 33

Post dedicated to all Viana Yard workers, with many thanks to Sousa de Castro who kindly provided all the pictures.