A US cruise line expands its fleet of expedition ships while new battery-powered Ro-Paxes will soon begin operations in Norway and Finland. An Italian builder secures additional orders for new cruise ships that will be fitted with hydrogen fuel cells.
Construction completed on Norled's second electric ferry
Singapore-based shipbuilder Sembcorp Marine has completed construction of the second in a series of three electric Ro-Pax ferries ordered by Norwegian operation Norled.
The 82.4-metre-long Dragsvik will be able to transport 300 passengers and 80 cars. Alternatively, the vehicle cargo can consist of 10 cars and 10 lorries with trailers.
The ferry will operate on Norled's Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik connection upon arrival in the country.
Design work on Dragsvik was provided by Norwegian naval architects LMG Marin.
Seabourn takes delivery of first purpose-built expedition ship
US cruise operator Seabourn will soon commence sailings of its first purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Venture.
Built by Italian shipyard T. Mariotti, the vessel features 132 oceanfront veranda suites and a crew complement that includes 26 expeditions specialists. An array of expedition vehicles will include two custom-built submarines, 24 rubber boats, and kayaks.
The ship was designed and built according to PC6 Polar Class standards.
Finferries welcomes hybrid newbuild to fleet
Finferries recently took delivery of its newest battery hybrid ferry from Polish shipbuilder Crist.
Altera measures 104 by 16.5 metres and has capacity for 92 cars and 375 passengers.
The vessel will arrive in Finland before the end of July 2022. It is scheduled to enter service on Finferries' Parainen–Nauvo route before January 1, 2023.
Explora Journeys orders two additional ships from Italian yard
Explora Journeys, the luxury travel brand of the cruise division of the MSC Group, has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Italian shipyard Fincantieri for the construction of two additional luxury cruise ships to take the company's total fleet number from four to six vessels.
The future Explora V and Explora VI will each be powered by LNG-fuelled engines and be fitted with hydrogen fuel cells. The latter will supply power for hotel operation and allow the vessels to operate on reduced emissions while in port with the engines switched off.
The two newbuilds will enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
