SunStone Ships, the world’s largest tonnage provider to the expedition cruise industry, announces the successful keel laying of the OCEAN ALBATROS, the sixth vessel in their series of INFINITY CLASS new-builds.
The INFINITY series is the product of a unique collaboration between European design and technology and Chinese shipbuilding efficiency resulting in an expedition cruise vessel with innovative features, top-class stability, and high operating efficiency.
The Keel Laying Ceremony of the OCEAN ALBATROS (CMHI 196-6) took place at China Merchant Heavy Industries in Haimen, China. The vessel will be on year-round charter to the Danish travel company Albatros Expeditions, who is also the charterer of SunStone’s OCEAN VICTORY and OCEAN ATLANTIC.
SunStone’s Chairman, Niels-Erik Lund, commented: “We are very pleased that even with the very difficult situation with the COVID Pandemic, our INFINITY new building series is moving forward at a satisfactory pace. Having three INFINITY vessels in operation, taking delivery of the next two INFINITY vessels in spring of 2022, and now the keel laying of the sixth vessel, is a very satisfactory accomplishment.”
INFINITY Class Vessels are 104 meters long, and 18 meters wide, having a draft of 5.1 meters. They feature a passenger capacity between 130-200 and a crew capacity between 85 and 115. The Vessels are Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6 and are being built with Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning and zero speed stabilizers. The Vessels are featuring the X-Bow® by Ulstein Design & Solutions. They are small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere and yet large enough to yield all expected services and facilities such as a swimming pool, bar and restaurants, lounges, boutique, gym and spa.
Three INFINITY Class new-builds, the GREG MORTIMER, the OCEAN EXPLORER, and the OCEAN VICTORY, have already been delivered and are now in operation. The SYLVIA EARLE with be delivered in March 2022, followed by the OCEAN ODYSSEY in April 2022. The OCEAN ALBATROS will be delivered in March 2023. All vessels ordered have long-term charter agreements in place.
