Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

9 6 zero-speed stabilisers. SunStone CEO Niels-Erik Lund, said: “We are very pleased with the quality and high building standards of China Merchants Heavy Industry, which are fully at the level of European shipyards. 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.” Swan Hellenic’s first bespoke expedition cruise ship Minerva is one of three ships under construction for delivery by Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard in October 2021. Minerva features a five-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and Polar Class 5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully SRtP- certified. Hygiene technology onboard includes air conditioning with high- efficiency particulate absorbing filters and ultraviolet sanitisation systems. Esko Karvonen, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard, said: “Minerva is very much a next-generation expedition ship and we are very proud of our contribution to everything she represents. The construction of her ice-strengthened hull, for example, benefits from Helsinki Shipyard’s solid experience in building ice-class vessels.” Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, remarked: “We are delighted with the quality of Helsinki’s work. It’s wonderful to see our vision realised so well. We know guests will be wowed from the moment they step aboard, but even more so after they become familiar with the unique lifestyle experience.” Oceanwide Expeditions’ Janssonius polar cruise ship, constructed at Brodosplit in Croatia, is 108.6 metres long, 17.6 metres wide, and will achieve a speed of 15 knots thanks to two main engines with a total power of 4,260 kilowatts. Brodosplit CEO Tomislav Debeljak said: “We built this ship during the pandemic… we succeeded thanks to the responsibility, knowledge, and diligence of our workers, but also because we bravely, smartly, and effectively fought Coronavirus and made Brodosplit one of the safest workspaces as well as protected the health of our workers and their families.” Constructed at Ulstein Verft’s yard in Norway, the second new polar build from National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions, National Geographic Resolution, is the sister vessel to National Geographic Endurance, delivered in 2020. A fully stabilised vessel of Polar Class 5 Category A, the ship incorporates the Ulstein X-Bow design, aimed at creating a smoother and quieter sailing experience in all conditions. The X-Bow provides a wave-slicing action in rough seas, which also reduces spray on deck and allows for superior observation with a closer view of the hull due to the shape. The Polar Class 5 ice class will enable Lindblad to start its polar itineraries up to two weeks ahead of many other expedition cruise companies. Seabourn’s first purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, was built at T. Mariotti yard for a winter 2022 inaugural season. Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn, said: “I am very proud of everyone involved in the construction of Seabourn Venture and thank our teams for helping us reach this point under the circumstances we have faced over the past year.” A sister ship is due to launch later in 2022. Both ships will be designed and built to Polar Class 6 standards. They will carry custom-built submarines in addition to the line’s customary Zodiacs and kayaks. Viking Ocean’s Viking Octantis is under construction at Fincantieri’s Vard yard for delivery in early 2022. As the company’s first expedition ship, it will follow itineraries in Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A twin vessel, Viking Polaris, will be delivered in summer 2022, for cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. Design highlights include straight bows, longer ice-strengthened Polar Class hulls and fin stabilisers. U-tank stabilisers will decrease rolling by up to 50 per cent when the ships are stationary. “Working with Fincantieri over the last eight years, we have built the world’s most beautiful ocean ships. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Fincantieri’s Vard and celebrate this important milestone in the construction of our first expedition vessel,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. CFR CRUI SE ORDER BOOK Swan Hellenic’s first bespoke expedition cruise ship Minerva will feature luxury accommodation