SunStone Ships has announced an aggressive delivery schedule for its newbuild Infinity-class vessels – adding that their “unique X-Bow design and favourable operating costs” are driving rapid adoption of the cruise ships.
During the steel cutting ceremony of Greg Mortimer, the first expedition vessel in the SunStone’s Infinity series, the second shipbuilding contract was signed between China Merchant Heavy Industries (CMHI) and SunStone Ships. This vessel is scheduled for delivery in August 2020 and is a sister vessel to Greg Mortimer, with a capacity of 160 passengers. SunStone Ships said the second ship will have different features from Greg Mortimer, but otherwise will be a sister ship from a capacity and technical aspect.
SunStone president and chief executive Niels-Erik Lund said “While we aren’t yet ready to announce the long-term charterer of the second vessel, we are happy to report that long-term charter contracts have already been signed for Infinity III and Infinity IV.”
As a result of the enthusiasm for the vessel, the company says it is pursuing an accelerated development of the fleet.
SunStone Ships has a contract for four vessels with options for an additional six with CMHI. They are 104 m long, 18 m wide, with a draft of 5.1 m and a passenger capacity of between 130-200 and a crew capacity between 85 and 115. The vessels are Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6 and are being built with safe return to port, dynamic positioning and zero speed stabilisers.
Greg Mortimer is scheduled for delivery in August 2019 and goes on charter to Aurora Cruises, Australia.
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