Polar Cruise Ship Designed with Solar, Battery Systems
Naval architects Knud E. Hansen have designed a luxury expedition cruise ship for worldwide operation including Arctic and Antarctic regions. The vessel features a range of energy saving and emissions reductions technologies including solar and battery power provisions.
The vessel is designed for unrestricted ocean voyages and strengthened for Ice Class 1A service. It is designed for itineraries up to 21 days with 300 passengers on board, and is the result of increasing interest in smaller size vessels for specialized and customized cruising and expeditions.
The hull is ice strengthened and has a double hull covering all hull machinery and service spaces. The ship is specifically designed to operate safely in heavy seas and high winds as well as narrow passages and small ports. There are three main fire zones and the vessel exceeds safe-return-to-port requirements.
Propulsion and maneuverability is provided by two Azipod units and two bow thrusters. The diesel-electric power plant includes four medium-speed diesel generators in two separate engine rooms. The engines can be specified for Tier 3 NOx emission levels without exhaust gas treatment. Solar cells help offset the vessel’s electrical load and space is reserved for battery systems to provide true emission free and silent sailing for extra sensitive areas.
Engine heat recovery systems provide all of the vessels heating requirements and innovative HVAC systems reduce energy consumption. Advanced LED lighting and smart control systems contribute further to the overall low electrical load of the vessel. The green philosophy has also been considered by a combination of highly insulated windows and outside window walls combined with latest solar power technology.
All public facilities are concentrated on two decks, including an observation lounge with 360 degree views. Above the observation lounge a heli-deck is arranged. A unique feature is the glass aircraft hanger. The ships helicopter can be lowered by lift into a fire and explosion proof glass enclosure in the middle of the observation lounge, making for a fascinating showpiece. Passengers can also enjoy stunning panoramas from two Jacuzzis on the top deck, primarily heated by solar energy.
The vessel has 150 standard passenger cabins arranged on three decks and crew accommodation on two lower decks. All passenger cabins have outside views and the cabins on the bridge deck are all with balconies. A number of the standard cabins can, by the newly developed proprietry FlexCabin system, be transformed to suites for special luxurious voyages. For increased passenger comfort active stabilizer fins are also fitted.
For short passenger excursions, a large sea garage and retractable overhead davit is arranged at the transom for easy launching and retrieval of up to 15 Zodiac type boats and jet-skis. A tender boarding station for the watercraft is arranged close to the waterline at the after ship. The tender station includes a lobby, disinfection area and expedition store. The tender station is connected with the passenger accommodation by both elevator and stairway.
An ROV with camera equipment is installed for observation of the underwater environment up to 3,000 meters below the sea, such as coral reefs and aquatic sea-life. The high definition video images can be displayed throughout the vessel on the big-screens in the passenger lounges and also cabins via the ships integrated video system.
As far back as the 1960s, Knud E. Hansen has designed the first vessel specifically for transport of passengers in polar regions: the Lindblad Explorer. More recently, the company has designed the polar expedition vessel Fram and two ferries for the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, also for sailing in heavy ice conditions.
Principal Dimensions
Length overall: 139.40m
Length between perpendiculars: 120.20m
Breadth moulded: 20.50m
Design draught: 4.80m
Deadweight at design draught: abt 1350t
Service speed: 18 knots