Viking orders ropax from Spain

The Helsinki-based Nordic and Baltic cruise operator Viking Line has placed a $78 million order for a new passenger ship with Spanish shipyard Astilleros de Sevilla SA.

The vessel, which is due for delivery in March 2009, will carry 1,500 passengers and 320 cars. Viking Line said the ship will operate the route between Mariahamn in Aland and Kapellskar in Sweden.