DNV GL and Brodosplit sign class contract for Quark polar expedition vessel
Brodosplit shipyard and DNV GL have signed a contract for the classification of Quark Expedition’s (Quark) new 200-passenger newbuild. The contract covers the construction of the vessel with delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2020, the company said in its press release.
The 128-meter long polar expedition cruise vessel will be equipped with four main engines and with diesel-electric generator sets producing 4400 kW of power, for a top speed of 16 knots. Built to the DNV GL polar class PC(6) standard, the vessel will also be fully compliant with Safe Return to Port requirements and will accommodate up to 200 passengers, with life boat capacity for all persons onboard.
Quark has a long history of civilian polar exploration. The company led the first-ever tourist transit of the Arctic’s northeast passage, as well as the first commercial passenger circumnavigation of Antarctica. “Exploration is in our DNA. With this new ship we are looking forward to decades more of exploration and a whole new series of polar firsts,” says Andrew White, the President of Quark Expeditions.
Elliott Tulloch, Quark Project Manager, said, “With DNV GL’s breadth of knowledge in polar operations, they were a natural partner for this project. We have been tremendously pleased by the support and consultation we have received so far and look forward to more excellent collaboration as we proceed with construction, and eventually through the lifetime of the vessel.”
“It is a proud day for DNV GL to have been selected as the classification partner for this purpose-built vessel and we look forward to supporting Quark and Brodosplit in realizing a successful delivery. As shipping becomes more widespread in the polar environment, DNV GL is committed to utilizing our 150-plus years of experience in harsh climates to ensure that vessels can operate safely and sustainably in this sensitive environment,” says Paal Johansen, DNV GL’s Global cruise ship director.
The ship, which is designed by LMG Marin AS, will be one the most versatile expedition vessels operating in the polar regions. With a 40-day operational capability, the vessel will make regions such as the Ross Sea and the remote western Antarctic more accessible to tourists. The vessel will be equipped with 20 zodiac boats that can be deployed from an internal hangar to facilitate off-ship experiences and will also feature two helicopters and helidecks to enable access to areas inaccessible by boat.
About the project partners:
Brodosplit Shipyard, located in Split, Croatia, is a leading shipyard located at the regional center of the eastern Adriatic coast. Recognized by prominent international institutions, Brodosplit has a reputation for innovation and expertise in shipbuilding. The shipyard specializes in the construction of sophisticated ships, including passenger ships, containers, cargo vessels, oil product tankers. With the resources to provide comprehensive solutions, Brodosplit can supply complete design packages at owners’ requirements at all phases of ship design and ship building process
Quark Expeditions, specializing in expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic, Quark Expeditions® has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for over 27 years. With a diverse fleet of specially-equipped small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures, Quark offers travelers unparalleled access to the most remote places on earth. Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including scientists, naturalists and researchers, the onboard program focuses on guest interaction to educate and enrich the passenger experience.
LMG Marin, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine, is one of Europe’s leading naval architect and ship design houses. LMG’s portfolio includes floating structures, platforms and a wide variety of ship types, including drillships, floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSO), floating storage and offloading vessels (FSO), offshore support vessels (OSV), LNG carriers, LNG-powered ships, car ferries and cruise ships.