The Viking III (IMO 6511128) was a small "world traveler" of the seas. Built in Lübeck in 1965, she changed names, shipping companies, and routes countless times throughout her career, sailing from the English Channel to Scandinavia and the Mediterranean. Her eventful history makes her a true inspiration for model boat enthusiasts and ferry lovers.

A ferry with many lives

Ferries from the 1960s and 70s continue to exert a special fascination. One such vessel is the Viking III. A versatile workhorse, it experienced many names, shipping companies, and routes throughout its career. For collectors and enthusiasts of classic ferries, its history is both exciting and inspiring.

Technical specifications of the Viking III:

• Length: 99.51 m
• Width: 18.32 m
• Passenger capacity: 940 passengers
• Vehicle capacity: 180 vehicles
• Draft: approx. 4.50 m
• Propulsion: Two 12-cylinder Pielstick-Lindholmens diesel engines
• Power output: approx. 10,200 hp
• Speed: approx. 18.5 knots
• Shipyard: Lübecker Maschinenbau AG, Germany
• Year of construction: 1965

With this data, the Viking III was a solid mid-range ferry – perfect for combined passenger and vehicle transport on medium routes.

The story of Viking III

The career of the Viking III is a prime example of the versatility of ferries. She repeatedly changed names, owners, and routes, yet always remained a reliable link between countries and ports.
1965: Launch & Commissioning
Built in Lübeck, she started out as Viking III for the shipping company Otto Thoresen Shipping Co. A/S. Her first route led from Southampton to Cherbourg and Le Havre.

1966-1967: First charter
Shortly after it was commissioned, it was chartered to the Swedish shipping company Lion Ferry and used between Bremerhaven and Harwich.

Late 1960s: Back in the English Channel
After this charter period, the Viking III returned to its original routes Southampton - Le Havre / Cherbourg.

1970s: A ship in operation everywhere
During this decade, charter contracts increased significantly: sometimes for Fred Olsen on the Kristiansand - Hirtshals route, sometimes as a tender for the French luxury liner France in Le Havre. Scandinavian routes such as Larvik - Frederikshavn or Felixstowe - Europoort were also part of their repertoire.
1980: New routes
The ferry operated between Douglas and Heysham, as well as between Rosslare and Pembroke Dock (for B&I Line).
1982: A new name: Terje Vigen
The Norwegian shipping company DA-NO Linjen A/S bought the ferry and renamed it Terje Vigen. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in northern waters.

1986-1990: From Scandinavia to Fenno Star
During this time, the ferry changed owners and names several times. It was used particularly in the Baltic Sea region.

We will examine the period from 1990 to the end of the Viking III in more detail in a further Logbook entry.

Why the Viking III deserves a model

For collectors and model builders, the Viking III is a ship steeped in history. Its changing names and operators make it a miniature world traveler. The elegant hull, compact dimensions, and typical ferry lines of the 1960s to 1990s make it a true inspiration for model enthusiasts.