Project will involve CMIH, Tomas Tillberg Design International, Mäkinen and Ulstein Design & Solutions
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Sunstone Ships and China Merchants Industry Holdings (CMIH) have signed a framework agreement to build four expedition cruise ships, with an option for and additional six vessels.
To be built at CMIH’s yard, all 104-metre-long vessels will have between 80 and 95 passenger cabins and will be constructed to Polar Class 6 standards, enabling them to sail in polar regions. The Bahamas-flagged ships will sail at a speed of 15 knots and will be classed by Bureau Veritas.
Long-time partner Tomas Tillberg Design International will provide interior hotel design services, while Finland-based turnkey contractor Mäkinen will be responsible for building all cabins and public spaces. To ensure on-time delivery, Mäkinen will move a project team to China and set up a cabin assembly plant and interior workshop at CMIH’s shipyard.
Norway-based Ulstein Design & Solutions will supply the vessel’s design and equipment package, and supervise the building process.