The Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards Group, along with Expedition Voyage Consultants and Knud E Hansen has developed a new design for expedition cruise vessel.
Known as Damen Expedition Cruise Vessel, the new design is suitable for expedition operations in both remote polar and tropical regions.
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Featuring around 1,100m² of public space and 2,500m² of outside deck, the vessel can accommodate 115 passengers and has 30 days of autonomous cruising capability.
The collaboration is planning to develop an updated version of the vessel, which will include a +200 pax design.
Compliant with Polar Class 6, the Damen Expedition Cruise Vessel is also being prepared to comply with International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea’s (SOLAS) safe return to port requirements.
The vessel has a diesel-mechanical hybrid configuration and has maximum speed of 18 knot.
Damen product director Henk Grunstra said: “In combination with the hull design and the effective use of electricity on-board, we are expecting to reach fuel consumption and CO2 reductions of at least 20%.”
Damen Expedition Cruise Vessel also has the option for an energy storage battery system, which can be used for various functions, including peak-shaving, and has provision of supplementary power for manoeuvring or silent sailing operations and auxiliary generator.
Last month, Damen announced that a prototype of its first composite Water Bus vessel would undergo sea trials, with plans to receive the first complete vessel of the same kind in the Netherlands by the end of the year.
Image: Rendering of Damen Expedition Cruise Vessel. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
