Hondius is a new expedition ship built by Brodosplit Shipyard in Croatia for Oceanwide Expeditions. It is the first polar expedition ship constructed to the Lloyd’s Register for Polar Class 6, which is the highest notation for ice-strengthened ships.
The polar cruise vessel’s construction started in November 2016 and the ship was delivered in May 2019.
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The vessel sails on expedition voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions.
Hondius polar expedition vessel design
The polar cruise vessel is 107.6m-long and has a breadth of 17.6m, a draft of 5.30m and displacement of 5,590t.
The cruise ship meets the standards of Polar Class 6, which is equivalent to the earlier Finnish-Swedish ice-class notation 1A-Super. It is registered in the Netherlands.
Hondius accommodation details
The Hondius expedition ship is manned by a crew of 72 and can accommodate up to 174 passengers. It offers deluxe accommodation with Oceanwide’s signature comfortable and informal atmosphere.
The vessel features 83 cabins and suites in different categories, including a 35m² suite, six grand cabins with balconies, eight junior suites ranging in size from 19m² to 20m², 29 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins, and four quadruple porthole rooms.
Deck 3 houses double, triple and quadruple porthole cabins, as well as an infirmary and a doctor’s cabin. Deck 6 features twin deluxe and superior staterooms, as well as a large Hondius suite, along with the lifeboats.
The private balcony grand suites and junior suites along with the ship office and safety centre are located on Deck 7.
Dining and entertainment facilities
Deck 4 features a dining room, lobby area, gallery and a staircase leading to the twin window cabins. The Zodiac deck is used for outdoor activities such as kayaking.
The ship also features a sheltered zodiac boarding zone, where passengers can board boats to take them to the shore. Other activities and experiences on the ship further engage and entertain the guests.
A large observation lounge and a dedicated lecture room on Deck 5 are completely reserved for lectures and presentations. The deck also features a library, bar, pantry, safety lockers and an expedition office.
Propulsion and power
The propulsion system integrates two ABC diesel engines and an adjustable pitch propeller. The engines develop a total power output of 4,200kW, enabling a service speed of 15k.
A 220V/60Hz electricity supply system with standard European electrical outlets is available on board.
Sustainable features of Hondius
The Polar Class 6 vessel complies with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) latest standards. It adopts the IMO mandatory requirements of the polar code for the ship’s safety and protection of the polar environment.
The polar expedition ship uses LED lighting, flexible power management systems, and steam heat in order to reduce fuel consumption and minimise CO₂ emissions.
Itineraries
The ship embarked on its maiden Arctic voyage from Vlissingen in June 2019. It will sail through Aberdeen, Fair Isle, and Jan Mayen before reaching the Arctic island of Spitsbergen.
Hondius will start its journey to Antarctica in October 2019, where it will cover Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, South Georgia, and the Falklands.
