Lindblad Expeditions is close to formally announcing a shipyard partner to build a new expedition vessel, according to Sven-Olof Lindblad, president and CEO.

“It will be the most thought out and equipped global expedition ship in the world,” Lindblad said.

The company expects to take delivery in the third quarter of 2019, in time for the 2019-2020 Antarctica season.

Lindblad, speaking on the company’s first quarter earnings call, said the ship would open up new regions of the world not previously accessible.