Ulstein, which already has a long cooperation experience with Chinese yards building its ship designs, is now looking for more and larger shipbuilding projects in China, according to chief designer Øyving Gjerde Kamsvåg.
'We are currently involved in several interesting projects for clients looking for both small to medium-sized cruise ships,' Kåmsvag said.
With its latest Ulstein Exploration Cruise design featuring the X-Bow, the ship will be able to operate more safely, quickly and efficiently in adverse conditions at sea.
'With the X-Bow, there will be no slamming from head seas, reducing wear and tear to the hull. The captain has the choice of keeping up speed while maintaining comfort, or reducing speed and thereby save fuel,' explained Kamsvåg. The shape and enclosed nature of the X-Bow help to ensure minimised risk of spray, avoiding slippery or icy decks and increasing safety.
For the passengers, their experience will be higher level of comfort, reduce vibrations and noise, and no hazard or nuisance due to wet decks. 'The excursion logistics are highly efficient and functional, with safe and easy embarkation and disembarkation of zodiacs and other crafts/equipment and reduced waiting time. Observation lounges offer 360-degree views to the surrounding elements,' he shared.
The patented X-Bow design offers more space in the forepart of the vessel, opening up possibilities of large observation or underwater lounges with spectacular views, or recreation areas such as cinema, gaming room, activity rooms for children or to exercise, spa areas and so forth.
'All will be adjusted according to shipowner’s request. With the enclosed nature of the X-Bow, there is the option of including explorer wings on the ship’s sides, getting close to water and nature,' Kamsvåg said.
With fuel savings in mind, the cruise ship can be adjusted to any fuel source to fit the shipowner’s request, be it marine gas oil, LNG, hybrid systems or battery.
The Ulstein Exploration Cruise design has entered into the commercial phase, according to Kamsvåg. 'Each one of the projects we are currently working on for clients, are sales projects,' he said.
Cruise ship construction, design, repair & technical services for the Chinese market comes under the spotlight at the upcoming Seatrade Asia Pacific Cruise Congress taking place between October 11-13 in Shanghai.
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