Explora I: layering sustainability, redefining concepts

Explora I has a US Coast Guard-approved ballast water treatment system to prevent the introduction of invasive species in the marine environment through ballast water discharges in compliance with IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention. 

The shore-to-ship power connectivity allows the ship to minimise engine use at ports where shore-to-ship power infrastructure is available.

Explora I has a RINA Dolphin-certified underwater-radiated noise management system with hull and engineroom designs to minimise the impact of acoustic sound and reduce the potential effects on marine fauna, especially sea mammals. 

The state-of-the-art recycling and solid waste management features comprehensive systems to reduce, recycle and reuse all waste aspects on board.

Mr Ungerer adds, “The ship’s hull design and optimised hydrodynamics will minimise resistance through the water and trim optimisation will be utilised for the vessel’s stability. The software technology used will support bridge officers to reduce Explora I’s fuel consumption and optimise the vessel’s performance.”

Explora I’s hull is coated with environmentally friendly paints to impede the growth of barnacles, algae and marine organisms that in turn will significantly reduce drag in the seas.  

Elsewhere, smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are all fitted with automated energy recovery loops that redistribute heat. High-efficiency LED lighting appliances are fitted and controlled by smart management systems to enhance further energy saving.

The cruise ship has four Wärtsilä 8L46F diesel engines with power of 9,600 kW each with the vessel’s total power of 38,400 kW. The propulsion consists of two 10-MW shaft lines; the bow thrust equals to three x 2,800-kW and the stern thrust to two x 2,400 kW.   

The main challenge Explora Journeys faced when building the vessel was supply chain issues. “The maritime industry, like so many business sectors around the world, was affected by supply chain issues and we had to revise the timetable for the ship’s coming into service schedule. Despite these slight delays, we continued to ensure Explora I will deliver to the fullest on the brand’s promise and vision – making absolutely no compromise on quality and luxury,” says Mr Ungerer. 

Highlighting how the vessel stands out in the current market, he says, “We see ourselves as creating a category of our own that will bridge the gap in the luxury travel and lifestyle industry across luxury and luxury ocean travel. There are several new brands entering the market, because of the growing demand, but we believe there is room for everyone and collectively we will all contribute to making it even better. We recognise there is an opportunity for a luxury lifestyle travel brand to capture the essence and flair of European luxury and bring it to the oceans of the world.

“We envision Explora Journeys to join not only luxury ocean travel brands but also well-established luxury resorts and retreats, which the interior design of Explora I reflects.” 

He says, “Within the sleek and distinctively modern and elegant interiors of the ship’s exquisite lobby, 12 bars and lounges or in one of the six signature restaurants, guests can experience a vibrant, luxurious and truly cosmopolitan atmosphere, often associated with some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts”.

The ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas and nearly 1,000 m2 of wellness and fitness facilities.

Explora II will enter service mid-2024. Explora III and Explora IV will both be powered by LNG and enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively.  Explora V and Explora VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028 respectively and both will have state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures and be capable of using alternative fuels such as bio and synthetic gas. These two ships will pursue the use of liquid hydrogen with fuel cells for their hotel operations while docked in ports to eliminate carbon emissions with the vessels’ engines switched off.  

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