SunStone inks deal for Infinity-class 4 and 5 newbuilds in China

Plans for 10

'in addition to the five vessels already ordered, SunStone is in negotiations for additional vessels and it is expected that the remaining five options will be signed within 2019, so that 10 Infinity-class vessels will be built at CMHI, China,' SunStone president and CEO Niels-Erik Lund said.

X-BOW design, operating efficiencies

'Our charterers are anxious to enjoy the advantages of our cutting-edge technology, like the X-BOW design, along with the significant operating efficiencies offered by the Infinity class. So, we’re moving as quickly as possible to get them into the market,' Lund added.

The ships measure 104 meters long and 18 meters at the beam, with a draft of 5.1 meters. Passenger capacity ranges between 130 and 200, with crew capacity from 85 to 115. The vessels are Ice Class 1A/Polar Code 6.

Greg Mortimer, Ocean Victory, Ocean Explorer, Ocean Odyssey

Under way at China Merchants Heavy Industries are Greg Mortimer, scheduled for August 2019 delivery, Ocean Victory (moved forward) to September 2020, Ocean Explorer in March 2021; then in September 2021 what was originally to be the second Infinity-class newbuild, still unnamed; and Ocean Odyssey in May 2022. Greg Mortimer will be operated by Aurora Expeditions, and Ocean Victory by Victory Cruise Lines and Albatros Expeditions.

SunStone said long-term charters are in place for Ocean Explorer and Ocean Odyssey but the charterers have not been announced.

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