Oceanwide Expeditions is the buyer for the polar expedition ship recently ordered from Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia.
The ship will be named the Hondius, according to a statement, with the company citing increased demand for polar cruises. The ship will debut in 2019.
“We currently sail with our ice-strengthened 116-passenger vessels Plancius and Ortelius, and the Hondius will give us the opportunity to accommodate more travelers, to grow as a company, and to offer new, innovative products in the Polar regions,” said Oceanwide Expeditions’ CEO, Michel van Gessel. “The name Hondius follows our custom to name our ships for celebrated Dutch-Flemish cartographers who continue to inspire us as we carry on their passion for exploration and discovery.”
The ship will be rated Polar Class 6, similar to the previous Finnish-Swedish ice-class notation 1A-super. A speedy zodiac embarkation is guaranteed, with two separate gangways and an indoor platform that can be used for outdoor activities such as kayaking.
The vessel size will be 107 meters (350 feet) long, with a breadth of 17.6 meters (58 feet). It will be equipped with two main engines for a total power output of 4,200 kW, with a cruising speed of 15 knots.
“While traveling with Hondius, our passengers will recognize our distinctive Oceanwide approach — a pleasant, informal atmosphere onboard, with a main focus on in-depth nature and wildlife programs and related shore activities,” said Van Gessel.
