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In Focus: China

SunStone inks seventh expedition newbuild with China Merchants

Sunstone signing
China Merchant Heavy Industry and SunStone Ships firmed the order this week in Hong Kong
China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) signed a contract with Miami-based SunStone Ships to build a seventh Infinity-class expedition vessel.

Long-term charter

The ship, for which SunStone has a long-term charter agreement, is due for delivery in September 2021.

The infinity-class vessels are 104 meters long and 18 meters wide, with a draft of 5.1 meters. They can carry 130 to 200 passengers and 85 to 115 crew.

They have Ulstein Design & Solutions' patented X-BOW, dynamic positioning and zero-speed stabilizers, and are built to Ice Class 1A/Polar Code 6 standard. Amenities include restaurants, a lounge, bar, boutique, gym, spa and swimming pool.

First delivery set for August

CMHI is due to hand over the first Infinity-class newbuild, Greg Mortimer, this August, with Ocean Victoryto follow in October 2020, Ocean Explorer in January 2021, Ocean Odyssey in March 2022, Ocean Discoverer in September 2022 and Ocean Albatros in October 2022.

Key for CMHI cruise shipbuilding skills

CMHI General Manager Hu Xianfu said the orders for SunStone are an important project that enables CMHI to keep improving its cruise shipbuilding skills to deliver high-quality products.

CMHI recently signed a deal with Shanghai Style Cruise Industry Development Co., Ltd for a 37,000gt cruise ship with options for three more. Those ships are to operate for the domestic market.