Quark is calling its 2020 newbuild UltramarineQuark is calling its 2020 newbuild Ultramarine

The name is from the color ultramarine, which means 'beyond the sea.'

'Beyond what is ordinary'

'We picked the name Ultramarine because it links us directly to the sea, which of course is integral to our identity,' Quark President Andrew White said. 'But the word "ultra," especially by its modern-day definition, "beyond what is ordinary," reflects our signature approach to polar exploration.'

Heli-hiking and heli-skiing

Ultramarine will carry two twin-engine helicopters with exceptional viewing spaces for polar exploration. In addition to helicopter flight-seeing, heli-hiking and heli-skiing, the ship will offer sea kayaking, paddling, hiking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing and stand up paddle boarding.

Twenty quick-deploy Zodiacs can be launched from both sides of the vessel at four embarkation points that will be easily accessible from two passenger ready rooms. This will allow people to get off the ship in less than 20 minutes — which Quark said is half the industry average — for more spontaneous adventures.

70-day operational range

Optimized fuel, water, provisioning and waste-handling systems will enable a 70-day operational range, allowing Ultramarine to offer new polar experiences at seldom-seen landing sites.

Advanced sustainability features in keeping with Quark's recently unveiled 'Polar Promise' will minimize the ship's environmental footprint, and dynamic positioning will eliminate the need to drop anchor in sensitive seabed areas.

Ultramarine's inaugural season is expected to go on sale this summer. The first voyages are planned for the 2020/21 Antarctic season.