Rolls-Royce to deliver hybrid propulsion systems to more Mystic Cruises ships

Rolls-Royce has signed a deal with WestSea Yard in Portugal, part of Martifer Group, to equip two of the Portuguese-based cruise company Mystic Cruises’ expedition cruise ships with hybrid propulsion systems.

Mystic Cruises is expanding its push into the ocean-going expedition market and ordered its first cruise vessel in 2017. The new 9,300-tonne 200-guest expedition vessels will be numbers two and three in Mystic Cruises’ new fleet of eco-friendly expeditionary cruise ships.

The company, owned by Portuguese entrepreneur Mario Ferreira, will see its first ship World Explorer debut in 2019 and sail on charter agreements with Quark Expeditions and Mr Ferreira’s own Nicko Cruises.

Rolls-Royce is also providing propulsion technology for Mystic Cruises’ first newbuild, World Explorer.

"To reduce our (environmental) impact, we worked with Rolls-Royce to integrate an ultra-sophisticated hybrid propulsion system that dramatically reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as a dynamic positioning system that allows us to avoid using anchors, thereby protecting the maritime environment," Mr Ferreira said.

Rolls-Royce will supply two Bergen, C25:33L8P main engines and a Bergen C25:33L6P auxiliary dual generator for each ship. These connect to a low voltage AFE SAVeCUBE power electric system, which allows the engines to operate at variable speeds maximising their efficiency for the required power. Rolls-Royce is also providing the automation and control system, and the complete Promas propulsion system with two CPP propellers integrated with two flap rudders, also steering gears and tunnel thrusters.

The Mystic Cruises line of new expedition cruise ships will accommodate 200 guests served by 111 international crew members. The ships will have an operating cruise speed of 16 knots with a strengthened hull and propellers for traversing ice. They will be 126 m in length with a width of 19 m, a draft of 4.8 m and a tonnage of 9300 gt.

Construction of the first of the three vessels World Explorer, designed by Italian naval architect Giuseppe Tringali, is nearing completion at the WestSea Shipyard.

Rolls-Royce recently announced in October 2018 that it was providing the power and propulsion for Norwegian shipowning company Havila Kystruten’s four newbuild ropax vessels.