Wärtsilä Designs New Cruise Ships for Amundsen Expeditions

MarineLink April 23, 2020

Amundsen Expeditions’ Wärtsilä-designed luxury expedition cruise vessels will operate efficiently in challenging polar and tropical conditions. (Image: Wärtsilä)

Wärtsilä said it has developed a customized design for up to six new luxury expedition cruise vessels for owner and operator Amundsen Expeditions, targeted primarily at the Chinese market.

Wärtsilä, which booked the design order in the third quarter of 2019, said its in-house ship design team worked in close cooperation with Amundsen Expeditions to develop the concept. Each vessel will be capable of carrying 200 passengers.

“The ships are designed to operate efficiently in both tropical and polar waters. Because of the harsh environment and often remote location of the cruise destinations, special attention has been given to ensuring the ships’ operational reliability,” said Markku Miinala, General Manager, Ship Design Sales, Wärtsilä Marine.

“The cruise ships will feature all outside guest cabins, presidential suites, winter gardens and the latest environmental equipment,” said Captain Rajko Zupan of Amundsen Expeditions, who has been actively involved in the ship’s design since the inception of the project.

The vessels are designed to be fitted with a complete package of Wärtsilä solutions, including Wärtsilä 32 engines, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems for the abatement of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, electric propulsion, the Wärtsilä Nacos Platinum bridge system for navigation and communication, as well as Wärtsilä automation solutions. The eventual supply package is likely to be supported by a 10-year maintenance agreement.

“The design emphasizes Wärtsilä’s strength as a complete solutions provider,” said Maikel Arts, General Manager, Cruise Business, Wärtsilä Marine. “Our one-stop-shop capability, which allows the ship design to be combined with a complete package of onboard solutions, enables a truly integrated design. This results in the various onboard systems working seamlessly in harmony to provide the optimal level of.”

Arts added that the approach also increases reliability and efficiency, while keeping cost and time considerations under control.