Kongsberg to equip polar cruise ships

Built by WestSea Viana Shipyard in Portugal, the 126m, 9,300 tonne luxury craft are to be used for expeditions in the polar regions.

Egil Haugsdal, president, Kongsberg Maritime, said, “These repeat contracts are a strong endorsement of Kongsberg Maritime’s commitment to the active cruise market, which is growing rapidly, as shown by this fleet expansion to seven ships.

“Our advanced propulsion and control systems continue to make us a clear choice for customers looking for efficient, reliable technologies that minimise the impact of maritime activities on our ocean environment, and we are confident that our equipment will continue to deliver efficient and sustainable operation for Mystic Cruises as they explore some of our planet’s most remote locations.”

The vessels will join an existing trio of sister ships to bring the fleet to seven identical vessels, the first of which, World Explorer, entered service in 2019. Designed by Italian naval architect Giuseppe Tringali, the ships have an operating cruise speed of 16 knots and have hulls and propellers strengthened for use in ice.

Kongsberg Maritime will deliver main engines, auxiliary engines, motion control, propulsion, power electric systems, automation and control systems. The equipment is scheduled for delivery on a per-vessel basis throughout 2020 and 2021.