Oceanwide Expeditions has released additional details on two eco-sail expedition vessels, including renderings and confirmation of a 2029 launch for the first ship.

The company signed a letter of intent for the construction and delivery of the two vessels, according to a press release.

Both will have capacity for 146 passengers and feature hybrid sail propulsion systems designed to reduce fuel consumption and lower operational emissions.

Cruise Industry News first reported the newbuild program on March 21, when Oceanwide confirmed it had entered exclusive contract finalization with a shipyard and secured financing for the project.

The vessels are described as an iteration of Oceanwide’s existing Hondius-class design with upgrades to vessel operation and guest experience.

The first vessel is planned for launch in 2029, with the second following in 2030.

Oceanwide expects to begin commercializing both vessels by early 2027.

“Sailing has been part of our DNA from the start, and these eco-sail vessels will integrate modern sustainability features, hybrid propulsion and a smaller footprint into the same authentic, immersive Oceanwide guest experience,” said Rémi Bouysset, CEO of Oceanwide Expeditions.

Oceanwide released initial renderings of the eco-sail vessels but noted the images are for illustrative purposes and subject to change.

The newbuilds will join a fleet that currently includes the Plancius and Ortelius, both ice-class vessels from the 1970s and 1980s, and the Hondius, which entered service in 2019.

The company plans to announce additional details on shipyard partners, vessel names and specific design features as the construction timeline progresses.