Knud E Hansen unveils green cruise concept

The 139m vessel is designed for Arctic/Antarctic itineraries of up to three weeks, carrying 300 passengers. Strengthened for Ice Class 1A service and with a service speed of 17 knots, the cruisehsip was developed to meet increasing interest in the luxury expedition segment after the company’s clients expressed an appetite to invest further in the sector.

Propulsion is provided by two azipod units and two bow thrusters, driven by a diesel-electric power plant with four medium-speed diesel generators (of 2,760kW each) in two separate engine rooms. The designer noted that engines can be specified for Tier III NOx emission levels without exhaust gas treatment. Solar cells offset the vessel’s electrical load and space is reserved for battery systems to provide emission-free and silent sailing in sensitive areas.

Engine heat recovery systems provide all of the vessel’s heating requirements and innovative heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems also reduce energy consumption. The vessel also features advanced LED lighting with smart control systems and highly insulated windows and exterior walls. For increased passenger comfort, active stabiliser fins are also fitted.

Facilities include a panoramic observation lounge, a helicopter deck and a glass aircraft hangar in the middle of the observation lounge. Two Jacuzzis on the top deck are primarily heated by solar energy. A large sea garage and retractable overhead davit is arranged at the transom for up to 15 Zodiac-type boats and jet-skis, while a tender boarding station at the aft ship – accommodating a lobby, disinfection area and expedition store – is connected to passenger accommodation by an elevator and stairway. A remote operated vehicle can reach depths of up to 3000m.

The vessel has 150 standard passenger cabins arranged on three decks and crew accommodation on two lower decks. A proprietary system, Flex Cabin, enables standard cabins to be transformed into suites as needed.