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

Viking I in Dover's Eastern Docks, 1967
History
Name
  • Viking I
  • Viking Victory
  • Neptunia
  • Media II
  • Media V
  • Edi
OwnerIonian Sky Ferry, (2007-2008)
OperatorIonian Sky Ferry (2007-2008)
Port of registryLimassol, Cyprus (until 2008)
RouteInitially, Service between Southampton and Cherbourg
BuilderKaldnes Mekaniske Verksted A/S, Tønsberg, Norway
Launched31 January 1964
Completed1964
Maiden voyage11 May 1964
In service1964
Out of service2008
IdentificationIMO number6407652
FateScrapped in 2008
General characteristics
TypeRORO 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

Revolutionary design

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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

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  • Cowsill, Miles; Hendy, John (2007). Remembering the Thoresen Vikings: Townsend Thoresen trend setters. Ramsey, Isle of Man: Ferry Publications. ISBN 978-1871947731.