Rolls-Royce to Equip Mystic Cruises’ Expedition Ship

UK-based engineering company Rolls-Royce has signed a deal with WestSea Yard, part of Martifer Group, to equip an expeditionary oceanic cruise ship for Portuguese cruise company Mystic Cruises.

The newbuild, to be named MS World Explorer, is the first of several ships to be built by the Portuguese company for its expeditionary cruise line.

The World Explorer will offer expeditionary cruise itineraries in Antarctica from November to March.

For the rest of the season, the ship will visit small and distinct ports around the world normally not accessible to larger cruise ships, according to Rolls-Royce.

“The MS World Explorer will be the first of our expeditionary cruise ships. She will offer passengers a once in a lifetime experience of exclusivity and personalised service visiting the vast frozen landscapes of Antarctica and small, exclusive ports around the world,” Mário Ferreira, Mystic Cruises’ CEO, said.

“Being one of the last unspoiled and untouched regions in the World, Antarctica poses a unique challenge for cruise companies in order to offer the high-quality service that guests are used to in other areas, while being environmentally sustainable… For us, it’s essential to have a sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly solution. That is why we opted for the hybrid technology that Rolls-Royce proposed,” Ferreira added.

Rolls-Royce has supplied two main engines and an auxiliary dual generator. The company is also providing the automation and control system, and the complete propulsion system with two propellers integrated with two flap rudders.

The World Explorer will be able to accommodate 200 passengers and 111 crew members. The ship will have an operating cruise speed of 16 knots with a strengthened hull and propellers for traversing ice.

The newbuilding will be 126 meters in length with a width of 19 meters, a draft of 4.8 meters and a tonnage of 9,300 GT.

Construction of the vessel is already underway at the WestSea Shipyard in northern Portugal with completion expected in October 2018.