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Lindblad Expeditions – partner of National Geographic – has ordered a new polar expedition cruise vessel at Norwegian shipyard Ulstein.

It will be built in Ulsteinvik, Norway and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2020, with an option for two additional ships to b[ds_preview]e delivered in subsequent years, Ulstein revealed. The polar vessel has been designed with a focus on safety and comfort, as well as incorporating innovative sustainability solutions to reduce its environmental impact, it was said. A core feature is Ulstein’s signature X-Bow that is described as providing fuel efficiency »while significantly improving guest comfort in rough seas«; and a very high ice class for access deep into polar regions.

The ship’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas; while the zero-speed stabilizers will ensure stability underway, whether at zero speed when stopped for wildlife observation, or embarking/disembarking the ship.

»The launch of this ship will mark the 50th anniversary year of the first-ever purpose-built expedition ship, Lindblad Explorer, which was built by my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, and will set another important milestone in the company’s commitment to deliver expedition travel at its best.«

Sven Lindblad, President and CEO of Lindblad

The ship will be designed to access the outside environment from anywhere on the ship. Off-ship exploring will be enhanced with a Zodiac loading system. The ship’s complement of expedition tools for exploration will include kayaks, cross-country skis, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), hydrophones, a video microscope, underwater video cameras, a helicopter landing platform, and more to be announced in the coming months.