Finnish technology group Wartsila says there is still demand for new niche cruiseships despite the industry being laid waste by the coronavirus.
The company has launched two potential newbuilding projects in recent weeks.
It is teaming with Stefano Pastrovich's marine architecture and yacht design company Pastrovich Studio to develop a sustainable hybrid "boutique" vessel.
And it has designed an expedition vessel for newcomer Amundsen Expeditions that could see the owner order six ships.
A Wartsila spokeswoman said a "number of different owners" have shown interest in the Pastrovich ships.
When asked if there was any appetite among owners for new vessels, she said: "Not in the traditional cruise business but for boutique cruise yachts."
Access to otherwise closed harbours
The design will feature a combination of hybrid propulsion and solar panels for minimal environmental impact and high energy efficiency.
The ship will be a 60-metre catamaran with accommodation for up to 36 passengers.
The level of sustainability will allow it to access harbours otherwise closed to such vessels, Wartsila said.
The two companies have worked together before on the 99-metre X-Vintage design in 2011, and the 101-metre X-Expedition in 2017. These ships blurred the lines between cruiseships and superyachts.
The deal for the 200-passenger Amundsen Expeditions polar vessels was signed in the third quarter of 2019, but only announced in April.
The company said it had no updates on the progress of the project.
Voyages are being targeted primarily at the growing Chinese market.
Wartsila told TradeWinds the shipyard involved is confidential. No price has been revealed.
