Finnish technology group Wartsila continues to put time and money into designing new cruiseships at a time when the sector is on its knees due to coronavirus restrictions.
It has teamed up with Stefano Pastrovich's marine architecture and yacht design company Pastrovich Studio to develop a sustainable hybrid boutique vessel.
"A new generation of boutique cruise ships is set to emerge, with the luxury of a superyacht, the construction techniques and passenger experience of a cruiseship, and a close focus on the environment," Wartsila said.
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.
A turning point in the charter market?
The company has been contacted for information on its plans for the ships.
"Wartsila is the ideal partner for this project since we share a vision to be the very best at what we do," said Stefano Pastrovich.
"Bringing together our architectural and marine technology know-how will create a mega-yacht design on the leading edge of innovation. I’m convinced boutique cruiseships of this calibre could spark a turning point in the charter market, attracting a new customer base of millennials and cruise veterans."
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.
In April, Wartsila announced it had signed a deal with unknown start-up Amundsen Expeditions to develop six 200-passenger polar exploration ships.
Voyages are being targeted primarily at the growing Chinese market.
Wartsila told TradeWinds the shipyard involved is confidential. No price has been revealed.
