Following sea trials, Albatros claims Ocean Victory’s significant environmental performance

8,000gt Ocean Victory which is 104mtr in length has a fully optimised compact design, providing space for 185 guests.

According to Albatros Travel Group owner and founder, Søren Rasmussen, the ship uses 60% less energy. ‘We look forward to the day when we can replace the last 40% with sustainable fuel,’ he commented.

The third Infinity-class expedition ship being built by China Mechant Heavy Industries for Miami-based SunStone Ships will be operated by Albatros Expeditions in Antarctica, with the first voyage scheduled for November of 2021 whilst in the summer season, the ship is on charter to Victory Cruise Lines.

Patented X-BOW design

Ships in the Infinity class have Ulstein's patented X-BOW design, zero-speed stabilizers and dynamic positioning, and built to Polar Code 6 (Ice Class 1A).

The environmental performance is created by the unique features of the vessel, says Hans Lagerweij, president of Albatros International – ‘Ocean Victory has Tier III compliant engines that limit the amount of nitrous oxides. Secondly, we only burn marine gas oil, which emits less CO2 per ton burned compared to a heavier bunker fuel.’

The vessel also features Ulstein’s patented X-BOW design and ‘is fantastically efficient, especially with surf and in rougher seas’, according to Lagerweij.

Sustainable vision

Søren is proud Ocean Victory is further supporting the sustainable vision of Albatros Travel, and says: ‘We received our first sustainable travel award back in 1997, when most of the industry had no clue what sustainable travel meant, so of course we are always wanting to aim higher and find new solutions.’

Ocean Victory will be joined by its sister ship, Ocean Albatros, in October 2022 and operated by Albatros Expeditions year around in Antarctica and the Arctic.