Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein has held a steel cutting ceremony for the first polar vessel in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet.
The cutting of the first steel, carried out on January 5, 2018, marks the production start of the newbuilding project.
Ordered in November 2017, the vessel will be ready for its first expeditions in 2020.
The cruise ship’s core feature is Ulstein’s X-BOW®, a bow that provides fuel efficiency, and a very high ice class for access deep into polar regions. The vessel’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas, according to Ulstein.
The order also includes an option for two additional ships that would be delivered in subsequent years.