The TUI Group subsidiary is building for the five-star expedition segment with ships that will have the highest Polar Class designation for passenger vessels: PC6. Delivery is planned in April and October 2019.
The price was not disclosed.
Hapag-Lloyd's fleet currently includes expedition ships Bremen, built in 1990, and Hanseatic, built in 1991.
'Already we operate successfully in our expedition segment, which offers growth potential for five-star cruises. Our newbuilds will help us to develop further the expedition segment and offer a modern interpretation,' said Karl J. Pojer, ceo, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. He added these ships will help strengthen the company at the international level.
One of the vessels is to serve German-speaking markets—Germany, Austria, Swizterland. The other will be marketed to German-speakers but also in Belgium, the UK, Netherlands and the US.
The 138-meter ships are planned to operate not only in the Arctic and Antarctica but in warm-water destinations such as the Amazon. They'll have water sports marinas and carry Zodiacs for landings.
Other amenities of the seven-deck ships include a high ratio of balcony cabins, three restaurants, a spa and fitness area. Interior design will be by Oceanarchitects.
The hulls will be built at Vard's Tulcea, Romania, yard, with outfitting completed at Vard Langsten in Norway.
'A leading player like Hapag-Lloyd Cruises placing their trust in Vard’s capabilities to develop these unique, high-end vessels shows the recognition we have quickly earned in this segment of the specialty shipbuilding market,' Vard president and ceo Roy Reite said.
Vard is also building four upscale expedition cruise ships for Ponant.
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