Lindblad Expeditions’ first purpose-built polar expedition ship, National Geographic Endurance, has successfully completed in her sea trials in Storfjorden, Norway.
During the trials, the ship was put through a series of exercises which tested her engines, navigation systems and emergency manoeuvres.
The first of two new polar vessels for the cruise line, National Geographic Endurance has the highest ice class of any purpose-built passenger vessel, PC5 category A, which means that she will be able to operate year-round in first-year ice of medium thickness. The ship also features shipbuilder Ulstein Verft’s X-Bow design, which increases fuel efficiency.
National Geographic Endurance has now returned to the Ulstein Verft shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway, where she is undergoing her final outfitting ahead of her delivery in March. She will embark on her maiden voyage to the island of Svalbard from Oslo, Norway on 2 April 2020.
| Caption | National Geographic Endurance completed her sea trials in Storfjorden, Norway (Image: Ulstein Group) |