![Photo: Scenic Group](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F200430-2-3Maj.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Croatian shipyard 3. Maj began the construction of Scenic Eclipse II, a new polar expedition vessel ordered by Australia's Scenic Group, on Friday, April 24.
Once completed, the vessel will be a near identical sister of the 2019-built Scenic Eclipse with a length of 168 metres, a beam of 22 metres, and accommodations for up to 228 guests plus 192 crew. There will also be space on board for two helicopters, one six-seat submarine, 12 rubber boats, kayaks, quadbikes, and a camera-equipped remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Scenic Eclipse II's keel-laying and launching are scheduled to take place later this year.