Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

1 3 4 REPORT Perfect partner for polar ships Croatia’s Brodosplit shipyard is securing a growing number of orders for luxury expedition cruise vessels C roatian shipyard Brodosplit is quickly making a name for itself in the polar expedition cruise market – and its success has continued in 2020, despite challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In May, the shipyard floated out Quark Expeditions’ newest polar expedition cruise ship, Ultramarine. Set to debut in 2021, the ship is the first newbuild Brodosplit has constructed for an American buyer. Ultramarine is 110 metres long and will accommodate up to 200 guests in 103 luxurious cabins and spa-inspired suites designed to reflect the polar landscape. The vessel will also boast two restaurants, a wine-tasting bar, a lecture theatre, a Wellness Centre, a sauna with floor-to- ceiling windows and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships of the same size. In addition, it will have two helidecks for twin-engine helicopters and an internal hanger for Zodiacs and water sports equipment. “We’re showing the very demanding world market the potential of the Croatian shipbuilding sector and the possibilities of Brodosplit, which is growing into Europe’s leading builder of polar cruise ships,” says Tomislav Debeljak, Brodosplit’s chairman. Brodosplit marked another construction milestone in June when it laid the keel for Ocean Expeditions’ new polar expedition cruise ship Janssonius, just a year after delivering her sister, Hondius. Featuring interiors designed by MDesigns, Janssonius will accommodate 170 guests in 80 cabins and suites. Onboard highlights will include an observation lounge, a lecture room and an indoor Zodiac and kayak loading area. The ship, which will be delivered in summer 2021, will be powered by two main engines and a propulsion system that minimises fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Other green technologies will include LED lighting, biodegradable paints and lubricants, steam heating that uses minimal electricity, and a system that uses waste heat to produce fresh water. “We are extremely pleased with the first ship, Hondius, which exceeded our expectations of passengers and crew because it is very economical,” said Wijnand van Gessel, founder of Oceanwide Expeditions, at the ceremony. “I also believe in the long-term cooperation with Brodosplit and the construction of two more new ships.” CFR Left to right: Brodosplit launched Quark Expedition’s Ultramarine and laid the keel for Oceanwide Expeditions’ Janssonius at its yard in Split