By
Alex Smith |
SunStone Ships’ Sylvia Earle been successfully launched at China Merchant Heavy Industry’s (CMHI) shipyard in Haimen, China.
Sylvia Earle is the fourth of the Infinity-class ships being built for SunStone Ships by the shipyard. She has been chartered by Aurora Expeditions for long-term, year-round operation following her delivery.
CMHI also held a keel laying ceremony for the fifth ship in the series, Ocean Odyssey, marking the start of her construction. The ship has been chartered for year-round expedition cruises for Vantage Travel.
“We are very pleased with the quality and high building standards of CMHI, which are fully at the level of European shipyards,” said Niels-Erik Lund, CEO of SunStone Ships. “We are looking forward to continuing our relationships with all our partners in the Infinity-class project and we, even considering the Covid-19 world crisis, are moving fast forward as planned at very satisfactory speed, safety and quality level.”
The Infinity-class vessels are 104 metres long, with capacity for between 130 to 200 passengers. Sylvia Earle, Ocean Victory and Ocean Explorer are scheduled for delivery in 2021, followed by Ocean Odyssey and Ocean Albatros in 2022 and Ocean Discoverer in 2023.