Three years after arriving in Vigo for final outfitting, an incomplete ferry remains idle at the facilities of Talleres Vulcano, with no confirmed buyer despite repeated market interest.
Since its transfer from the Sevilla shipyard, the vessel has drawn attention from potential operators. Spanish media linked the ship to Trasmediterránea in February, but no agreement followed. Industry sources around the Vigo estuary indicate that price, financing, and delivery timing remain key obstacles.
Technical teams from several Spanish and European shipping companies have inspected the vessel. There have also been contacts with Viking Line, the original client, because the ferry was built to its specifications. If a sale is completed, final construction work is expected to take about 13 months and provide employment for roughly 400 people.
The hull was launched on 25 May 2013 at the Sevilla yard after an agreement with creditors, including Banco Santander and the Port Authority of Sevilla. It arrived in Vigo in mid-June under tow by the tug Sertosa Dieciocho. The Santodomingo family, owners of Talleres Vulcano, saw the acquisition as an investment, citing demand for ferries of this size while also recognizing strong competition.
The ferry was ordered in January 2007 under the project name Viking ADCC, short for All seasons Day Cruising and Commuting. Construction began in December 2007, and the keel was laid on 6 May 2008. Delivery had been planned for 2009, when it was expected to replace Rosella on the Mariehamn–Kapellskar route. The contract was canceled in February 2010 after long delays linked to the Sevilla yard’s financial difficulties, and the yard closed at the end of 2011.
The vessel was designed for 1,500 passengers and 400 cars. It has an approximate tonnage of 14,500 tonnes, a length of 139 m, and a beam of 21.9 m. Its two engines provide 34,560 horsepower over two shafts, supporting a speed of 22 knots. The IMO number is 9430105. The original contract value was estimated at €60 million, while unpaid debt to Banco Santander is around €20 million.
Source: Puente de Mando (www.puentedemando.com)
