A steel-cutting ceremony was attended by senior executives including Quark president Andrew White, DIV Group CEO Tomislav Debeljak and Brodosplit CEO Zoran Kunkera.
The 13,500gt newbuild will have leading-edge technology, long-range operational capability and advanced safety systems.
Redefining what's possible in polar adventure
'Every aspect of the ship has been built with one thing in mind: continuing to redefine what is possible in polar adventure,' White said. 'We’ve created a ship unsurpassed in its class not only by partnering with industry leaders like Brodosplit and LMG Marin, who are as committed as we are to pushing the boundaries, but also by consulting with our own polar experts and expedition leaders, who know better than anyone else what guests want out of their polar experience.'
70-day operational range
The 128-meter/420-foot ship has a beam of 21.5 meters/70.5 feet. Features include an interior Zodiac hangar and four embarkation points, dual helicopters with simultaneously operable helidecks, a 70-day operational range and an array of cutting-edge safety features.
Passengers will benefit from a choice of 11 cabin styles, modern spa and fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor dining options and a rapid Zodiac and helicopter deployment system that allows for safe and efficient movement on and off the ship.
White added: 'It will be an unrivaled operational base for polar adventures. Our guests travel with Quark to maximize their expedition experience, push their boundaries and revel in the magic of the polar regions. With this new ship, in the hands of the most experienced expedition team in the industry, we will get our guests further into the polar regions, seeing and doing more of what the they have to offer, in a vessel of exceptional comfort.'
Minimizing environmental impact
The ship’s numerous innovations will also minimize its environmental footprint. These include a sophisticated wastewater treatment system, the latest waste handling, a leading-edge heat recovery system that recycles excess energy back into the ship and the use of entirely recyclable materials to construct it. The dynamic positioning technology will also mean no need to anchor, avoiding damage to sensitive seabed ecosystems.
Sales will open this spring for the ship's inaugural 2020/21 Antarctic season.
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