Knud E. Hansen has unveiled its latest design, a 110 m longwind poweredcruise vessel.
This is a sail-assisted cruise vessel that will be able to accommodate up to 100 pax and will have a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles.
This design is aimed at the adventure-cruise market and will appeal to passengers who prefer a more intimate cruise experience while visiting destinations that are inaccessible by larger ships, the design company said.
By leveraging itsexperience in the design of small to medium sized expedition cruise vessels, Knud E. Hansen has produced a design that addresses a number of growing trends in the cruise industry.
For example, the higher end of the market prefers smaller ships where passengers can escape the crowds typically found on the large cruise ships. Furthermore, the design’s modest length and shallow draft will allow it to anchor in small harbours.
The design should also appeal to the growing eco-tourism segment that aims to travel the world while minimising their carbon footprint. The combination of lowsulfur diesel and wind power results in a vessel that exceeds Emission Control Area requirements and all forthcoming IMO regulations. The vessel will also be fitted with a large battery bank to allow for zero emissions in port, as well as in specially protected areas.
The concept features a modern rig designed by Detlev Loell Ingenieurbüro, GmbH. The rig is comprised of three free-standing masts, each with a fully-battened main sail with adjustable trailing-edge flaps for optimising lift.
The total sail area, which includes a single head sail on the forward mast, is 1,910 sq m. The sails are computer-operated and are designed to provide peak performance, even in light winds, the company claimed.
This rig design, combined with four diesel-electric engines, will allow the vessel to cruise at 15 knots in most operating conditions. The twin-screw arrangement and pair of forward tunnel thrusters allow for superior manoeuvrability in small ports and anchorages.
Active fin stabilisers will limit the vessel’s heel to 6 deg in sail-assisted mode, in order to ensure passenger comfort in typical operating conditions.
The accommodation decks include 46 passenger cabins and two deluxe cabins. All of the cabins will have ocean views, and many have private balconies. To be located in the hull is a Sea Lounge with underwater windows for viewing marine life.
On the second decka large tender garage will be fitted with a capacity for multiple rigid inflatables, jet skis, diving gear and other recreational equipment, as well as ROV camera equipment for observing underwater environments tot a maximum depth of 3,000 m. They can be launched via shell doors on either side of the vessel.
The third deck features a sun deck astern fitted with a swim platform for easy water access. Deck 4 includes a large restaurant with al fresco dining, as well as a bar, library, and card room. Deck 5 includes a large bar/lounge aft surrounded by exterior deck space plus an observation area on the foredeck. The top deck features an open-deck café and sun deck with lounge chairs.
