XPLORER VAN SERIES

The Letter of Intent is an important step towards creating a new paradigm in the cruise industry and to meet Norway’s decision to ban fossil fuel-powered ships from its world-heritage fjords from 2026. Clarksons Securities AS acts as lead manager on the project, while Multi Maritime AS in Førde designed the ship.Īlso read: MSC’s new LNG-powered cruise ship boasts fuel cells, SCR and shore power Fossil fuel-powered ships banned from fjords from 2026 NX has worked closely with Oslo-based Affinity Offshore AS to select the shipyard. Where possible, we also aim to select the most sustainable materials available in the market,’ Sandvik adds. ‘We haven’t made any final decisions yet because we want to go with the newest technology as it becomes available. NX and ABB are currently in dialogue with multiple sub-suppliers for vessel systems. The new vessel is expected to be delivered at the start of the 2025/2026 cruise season

XPLORER VAN SERIES

Its cruise newbuilding portfolio to date includes the 200-passenger World Navigator (built 2021), World Voyager (built 2020) and World Explorer (built 2019), the first three in a series of seven high-end polar expedition vessels for a renowned luxury cruise operator. West Sea intends to build the 250-passenger vessel at its facility in Viana do Costello north of Porto. ‘Having approached yards worldwide for tenders, we’re delighted to be embarking on this exciting project with West Sea.’ ‘This is a new milestone on our journey towards emission-free cruising,’ says Northern Xplorer (NX) founder and CEO Rolf André Sandvik.

The vessel features ABB’s fully electric propulsion system, including the battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology that will enable it to sail emissions-free in the Norwegian fjords and further afield as the green shift takes root. Norwegian cruise venture Northern Xplorer and Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea have signed a Letter of Intent for the construction of the company’s maiden vessel.

Xplorer van