Chartered to Aurora Expeditions, Greg Mortimer is the first Infinity-class expedition newbuild for SunStone Ships from China Merchants Heavy Industries in Haimen.
X-Bow design
The purpose-built X-Bow expedition ship underwent a comprehensive trial over the past five days and surpassed speed, vibration and noise estimations.
Robert Halfpenny, managing director of Aurora Expeditions is delighted with the results: ‘We have worked in very close partnership with our expedition team to design Greg Mortimer. Our X-Bow means faster travel, lower fuel consumption, virtually no vibrations and disruption to wildlife, which is extremely important for the remote and wild destinations we travel to.’
The ship includes a Tier 3 engine, which has a low pollution marine engine, giving off 80% less emissions. It is built to surpass environmental protection requirements and features high safety levels. It also features sea level Zodiac and activity loading platforms, dedicated observation decks and outdoor viewing areas.
Protecting marine life
A bio-security mudroom and virtual anchoring technology allow the ship to hold its position using its own propellers and thrusters, so it does not disturb seabed marine life.
The 104mtr passenger vessel’s sea launch tests included system functionality, overall equipment of the ship, operational performance including comfort, vibration and noise tests and safety performance including unmanned cabin and return to port technology.
Named after Aurora Expeditions’ co-founder, Greg Mortimer the ship will now undergo the final touches to her interior and exterior, and staff and crew will begin training before the official launch and 12-day maiden voyage, departing Ushuaia.
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