Another Polar Expedition New Build for Lindblad
By Anne Kalosh.
Just a few months ago construction began on Lindblad Expeditions’ first blue-water new build, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE. The company has already decided it will build yet another polar expedition ship, this one to be delivered in 2021.
In announcing the second new build, Lindblad cited the accelerating demand for high-quality and authentic expedition travel.
“By marrying additional capacity with a dedicated and growing loyal customer base and 50 years of experience, we will be able to build upon our proven track record of delivering unparalleled expeditions to the world’s most remarkable destinations,” said Sven-Olof Lindblad, president and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions.
The company didn’t share any details about the new ship, but it would make sense if it were a sister to the 126-passenger, 12,300-gross-ton NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE. That vessel has a cool X-BOW (pronounced “crossbow”) design, with an inverted bow that’s designed to provide fuel efficiency while significantly improving stability in rough seas.
The X-BOW was developed by Norway’s Ulstein Group, and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE will be completed at Ulstein Verft after its hull is built at CRIST shipyard in Gdynia, Poland.
The just-announced new build will become the fourth polar vessel in Lindblad’s fleet, joining NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION, currently in operation, and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE.
The company has also built a pair of U.S.-flag coastal vessels, 2017’s NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC QUEST and a sister, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VENTURE, due to enter service in December.
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