Mario Ferreira, who is behind the effort to build a series of expedition ships at the WestSea Yard, is hoping his cruise ship newbuilding focus benefits the Portuguese economy.

According to a statement Ferreira posted on Facebook, he hopes to underline the “Made in Portugal” aspect of his new ships, which will be chartered out under the Mystic Cruises and Mystic Invest umbrella.

The 200-passenger World Explorer, the first in a series of vessels, will be in Antarctica for the 2018-2019 season sailing for Quark Expeditions.

She will operate for Nicko Cruises in summer 2019, according to the company.

“Along with our rich maritime history, never has Portugal tried to go so far in difficulty and technological sophistication,” said Ferreira, who is CEO of Douro Azul, a river cruise line.

“With the commitment of several companies, national and international,, and in particular with the help and support of the technology developed by Rolls-Royce Marine, we can now state with great certainty this will be one of the most modern and sophisticated expedition ships,” he added.