The ship will be built to the highest ice class standard for passenger vessels, Lloyd's Register Polar Class 6 (equivalent to 1A-super).
Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions currently fields the ice-strengthened 116-pasenger vessels Plancius and Ortelius. Hondius will give the opportunity to accommodate more travelers, to grow as a company, and to offer new, innovative products in the polar regions, according to Oceanwide Expeditions ceo Michel van Gessel.
The name 'Hondius' follows the company's tradition of using celebrated Dutch-Flemish cartographers 'who continue to inspire us as we carry on their passion for exploration and discovery,' van Gessel added.
Hondius was specially designed for the Arctic and Antarctica. A speedy Zodiac embarkation is guaranteed, with two separate gangways and an indoor platform that can be used for outdoor activities such as kayaking. While Hondius is at anchor during passenger excursions, it can drift or remain in position with the support of the bow and stern thrusters.
One deck is reserved for an observation lounge, with a separate lecture room to offer simultaneous or multilingual lectures and presentations.
The ship stretches 107 meters/350 feet, with beam of 17.6 meters/58 feet. Hondius is equipped with two main engines for a total of 4,200 kW, enabling a speed of 15 knots.
A variety of cabin categories will be available, from spacious suites and superiors to twin and quadruple cabins. The largest suite measures 33 square meters. Six suites with balcony have an interior size of 29 square meters. There are eight superior cabins of 22 square meters plus balcony, 19 twin deluxe cabins of 22 square meters and 14 twin-window cabins of 14 square meters to 16 square meters.
Additional accommodations include 31 twin porthole cabins, two triple porthole cabins and four quadruple porthole cabins, in sizes ranging from 13 square meters to 16 square meters.
The propulsion system consists of two medium speed main engines and one adjustable pitch propeller. Oceanwide Expeditions said the flexible power management, in combination with a shaft generator instead of a diesel-driven generator, enables the lowest possible fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission.
Further environmental features include the use of biodegradable lubrication oils, steam for heating with minimal use of electrical heating, LED interior and exterior lighting and waste heat, such as cooling water for the main engines, used in fresh water production.
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