Oceanwide Expeditions has entered into what it said was an exclusive contract finalization with a shipyard for two eco-sail expedition newbuilds, with a letter of intent signed and financing secured.

The company will begin commercializing the vessels in 2027. The ships will be 146 guests each.

“Sailing has been part of OEX’s (Oceanwide) DNA from the start, and our next vessels will integrate modern sustainability features, hybrid propulsion and smaller footprints,” said Rémi Bouysset, CEO of Oceanwide Expeditions. “These projects are part of our long-term vision to remain small, flexible and responsible.”

The eco-sail vessels 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 the shipyard, design and vessel names in the coming weeks and months.

“Expedition cruising is becoming more visible and more mainstream, with larger ships entering the market,” Bouysset said. “But there will always be a place for small, authentic expeditions, and that is where OEX belongs. The future will be shaped by sustainability: new fuels, hybrid propulsion, smarter itineraries and a stronger focus on education.”

The Janssonius, a sister ship to the Hondius, remains under construction at Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia following delays since its planned 2021 launch. Oceanwide has stayed engaged on the vessel despite the extended timeline.