Brodosplit shipyard and DNV GL have signed a contract to class Quark Expedition’s new 200-pax newbuilding.
The contract covers the construction of the vessel with delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2020.
The 128 m long Polar expedition cruise vessel will be equipped with four main engines and with diesel-electric generator sets producing 4,400 kW of power, for a top speed of 16 knots.
Built to DNV GL’s Polar Class PC(6) standard, the vessel will also be fully compliant with Safe Return to Port requirements and will accommodate up to 200 pax, with life boat capacity for all persons on board.
Quark led the first-ever tourist transit of the Arctic’s northeast passage, as well as the first commercial passenger circumnavigation of Antarctica. “Exploration is in our DNA. With this new ship we are looking forward to decades more of exploration and a whole new series of polar firsts,” said Andrew White, Quark Expeditions President.
Elliott Tulloch, Quark Project Manager, said, “With DNV GL’s breadth of knowledge in Polar operations, they were a natural partner for this project. We have been tremendously pleased by the support and consultation we have received so far and look forward to more excellent collaboration as we proceed with construction, and eventually through the lifetime of the vessel.”
“It is a proud day for DNV GL to have been selected as the classification partner for this purpose-built vessel and we look forward to supporting Quark and Brodosplit in realising a successful delivery. As shipping becomes more widespread in the polar environment, DNV GL is committed to utilising our 150-plus years of experience in harsh climates to ensure that vessels can operate safely and sustainably in this sensitive environment,” said Paal Johansen, DNV GL’s Global cruise ship director.
The ship, which was designed by LMG Marin, will be one the most versatile expedition vessels operating in the Polar regions. With a 40-day operational capability, the vessel will make regions such as the Ross Sea and the remote western Antarctic more accessible to tourists.
The vessel will be equipped with 20 Zodiacs that can be deployed from an internal hangar to facilitate off-ship experiences and will also feature two helicopters and helidecks to enable access to areas inaccessible by boat.
