05 July 2016

Gabriella in Helsinki, 31 May 2016

Gabriella

IMO 8917601
Name history: Frans Suell, Silja Scandinavia, Gabriella
Built 1992, Brodogradiliste Split, Croatia
Tonnage 35 492 GT
Length 171,50 m
Width 28,20 m
Draugth 6,25 m
Ice class 1 A Super
2 420 passengers
2 402 berths
400 cars
900 lane metres
4 Pielstick diesels, combined 23 760 kW
2 propellers
2 bow thrusters
Speed 21,5 knots

The Gabriella is one of my favourite ferries in these waters, probably because of its varied history. This spring, the ship was given a thorough refit of the public spaces and some of the cabins, in a similar vein to the refit given last year to the Mariella, but more extensive. At the same time, the Gabriella was given the 'Grace-stripes' livery, being the last Viking Line ship not painted in the new colours. Which gave me a good excuse to photograph the ship. And it's high time, considering it was last featured on this blog in 2012.

So, the photographs below show the Gabriella passing through the Kustaanmiekka strait on the afternoon of 31 May 2016, shortly after departing Helsinki Eteläsatama (South Harbour) for Stockholm. Photographed from Kustaanmiekka. As always, click on the images to see them in larger size.

They maybe should have taken the opportunity to move the company name on the hull slightly towards the aft for better balancing effect while they were at it.
I really quite like the exterior design of the Gabriella, the dark window stripe in particular is quite attractive. I'm not sure if the added Grace-stripes were an improvement, however.
Kustaanmiekka remains quite impressive.
Personally, I think the sponsons aft rather improve the ship's profile... which is a controversial opinion, I'm sure.
The boat going in the other direction really improves the composition here.

Kships will return.

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