Fincantieri subsidiary VARD has handed over the second expedition cruise vessel, ‘Coral Geographer’, to Australian operator Coral Expeditions.
Following the delivery of her sistership ‘Coral Adventurer’ in 2019, Coral Expeditions ordered a second VARD 6 01 expedition cruise vessel, as part of its fleet expansion programme.
‘Coral Geographer’ has arrived in Australia from Vard Vung Tau, the builder’s shipyard in Vietnam. Her maiden passenger voyage will commence from Cairns, Queensland, at the end of this month.
The VARD 6 01 design was developed by Norway’s Vard Design in close co-operation with the customer. It has been specifically tailored for personalised expedition cruises to remote destinations in Asia and Oceania.
‘Coral Geographer’ is 93.7 m long, with a beam of 17.2 m and has accommodation for 120 guests.
The on board environment is geared for daily shore expeditions, lectures, and briefings, while the vessel is claimed to have been finished to a high standard of comfort.
Staterooms with open balconies occupy over half of the total vessel area. Original artwork sourced from Australian indigenous communities visited by the company’s fleet are fitted in the interiors.
The ship also features interior and ventilation systems provided by Vard Accommodation and is equipped with Vard Electro’s SeaQ product series for navigation systems, integrated systems, marine electronics, and electrical systems.
Mark Fifield, Coral Expeditions Group General Manager, said: “This is the second ship we are building with VARD. We are pleased with the result. We would like to place on record our deep appreciation for the professionalism and commitment of all the VARD staff involved in this project.”
Fredrik Hessen, General Manager of VARD’s Offshore and Specialised Vessels business unit, added: “We highly appreciate the great co-operation between Coral Expeditions and VARD. Together we have developed two excellent vessels for exciting adventures. We wish Coral Expeditions all the best and look forward to continuing our relationship in the future.”
Featuring expedition tender capabilities and accommodation across four decks – Bridge Deck Balcony Suites, Bridge Deck and Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms and Coral Deck Staterooms – the on board environment is both comfortable and functional, allowing for relaxation, socialising, and daily shore expeditions, VARD said.
