DNV GL and Brodosplit sign class contract for Quark polar expedition vessel
DNV GL has secured a classification contract for Quark Expeditions new 40-day polar expedition vessel
Brodosplit shipyard and DNV GL have signed a contract for the classification of Quark Expedition’s (Quark) new 200-passenger newbuild. The contract covers the construction of the vessel with delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2020.
The 128-meter long polar expedition cruise vessel will be equipped with four main engines and with diesel-electric generator sets producing 4400 kW of power, for a top speed of 16 knots. Built to the DNV GL polar class PC(6) standard, the vessel should be capable of sailing summer and autumn voyages in medium first-year ice and will be fully compliant with Safe Return to Port requirements. The vessel will accommodate up to 200 passengers and 116 crew members, with life boat capacity for all persons onboard.
Quark has a long history of civilian polar exploration. The company led the first-ever tourist transit of the Arctic’s northeast passage, as well as the first commercial passenger circumnavigation of Antarctica. “Exploration is in our DNA. With this new ship we are looking forward to decades more of exploration and a whole new series of polar firsts,” says Andrew White, the President of Quark Expeditions.
Elliott Tulloch, Quark Project Manager, said, “With DNV GL’s breadth of knowledge in arctic operations, they were a natural partner for this project. We have been tremendously pleased by the support and consultation we have received so far and look forward to more excellent collaboration as we proceed with construction, and eventually through the lifetime of the vessel.”
“It is a proud day for DNV GL to have been selected as the classification partner for this purpose-built vessel and we look forward to supporting Quark and Brodosplit in realizing a successful delivery. As shipping becomes more widespread in the polar environment, DNV GL is committed to utilizing our 150-plus years of experience in harsh climates to ensure that vessels can operate safely and sustainably in this sensitive environment,” says Paal Johansen, DNV GL’s Global cruise ship director.
The ship, which is designed by LMG Marin AS, will be one the most versatile expedition vessels operating in the polar regions. With a 40-day operational capability, the vessel will make regions such as the Ross Sea and the remote western Antarctic accessible to tourists. The vessel will be equipped with 20 zodiac boats that can be deployed from an internal hangar to facilitate off-ship experiences and will also feature two helicopters and helidecks to enable access to areas inaccessible by boat.
About the project partners:
Brodosplit Shipyard, located in Split, Croatia, is a leading shipyard located at the regional center of the eastern Adriatic coast. Recognized by prominent international institutions, Brodosplit has a reputation for innovation and expertise in shipbuilding. The shipyard specializes in the construction of sophisticated ships, including passenger ships, containers, cargo vessels, oil product tankers. With the resources to provide comprehensive solutions, Brodosplit can supply complete design packages at owners’ requirements at all phases of ship design and ship building process
Quark Expeditions is the leader in Arctic and Antarctic expedition travel. The adventure travel company offers Polar Region expeditions aboard chartered small converted expedition ships and icebreakers carrying fewer than 200 passengers and on unique land-based adventures.
LMG Marin, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine, is one of Europe’s leading naval architect and ship design houses. LMG’s portfolio includes floating structures, platforms and a wide variety of ship types, including drillships, floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSO), floating storage and offloading vessels (FSO), offshore support vessels (OSV), LNG carriers, LNG-powered ships, car ferries and cruise ships.
About DNV GL, DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, we enable our customers to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping customers in the maritime, oil & gas, power and renewables and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener.
About DNV GL – Maritime, DNV GL is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges. For more information visit www.dnvgl.us/maritime