By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Croatian shipyard Brodosplit has floated out Oceanwide Expeditions’ new Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened expedition cruise ship, which will be named Hondius when she enters service in 2019.
Hondius is 107.6 metres long, 17.6 metres wide and will be powered by two main engines so she can sail at a speed of 15 knots. In addition, the vessel will have a flexible power management system to minimise fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, and reduce her impact on the environment, Other environmental features will include hazardous-free coating and paint, steam-powered onboard heating systems, LED interior and exterior lighting, and a system that uses waste heat to cool water for the main engines.
The vessel can accommodate 75 crew members, as well as 196 passengers in 85 cabins, some of which will have balconies. The vessel will also offer an observation lounge with a separate lecture room, zodiacs for excursions and an indoor water sports platform for launching kayaks and other craft.
“This ship is a symbol of Brodosplit restructuring and a breakthrough in organisational and technological design because it is built with new software, tools and technology, almost 80-85% of the ship is already equipped on the bridge construction, resulting in a better quality of production, shorter deadlines and lower construction costs,” said Tomislav Debeljak, CEO of Brodosplit.
“I am very pleased with the quality of the ship, which is already equipped with built-in drive and numerous equipment for passenger and crew accommodation,” said Wijnand van Gessel, owner of Oceanwide Expeditions. “Our team has a great deal of cooperation with the shipyard, and the ship will receive the first polar bearers in June next year.”