Norwegian offshore shipbuilding company Ulstein Group is getting in on the game with a contract to undertake a complete rebuilding of Miami-based Sunstone Ships’ 4,400-gt expedition cruiseship Sea Adventurer (built 1975).
The work involves what looks to be a complete rebuilding of the polar-class cruiseship, with everything from the engines to the accommodation being replaced.
The ship is expected to arrive in Norway in early April next year, with the work scheduled to be completed by mid-June.
Adventure cruise growth
Ulstein, like many offshore shipbuilding specialists, has been targeting the explosive growth of the adventure-cruise sector for work to make up for a loss of offshore vessel contracts.
While the Sea Adventurer contract gives Ulstein a foot in the door, the company’s ambition is to follow in the footsteps of competitor Vard with contracts for sophisticated expedition cruiseship newbuildings.
Last week, Ulstein unveiled its strategy by releasing conceptual plans for several types of large, rugged expedition ships, some of which feature its trademark X-bow design.
Elsewhere, Fred Olsen Cruises (FOCL), the UK-based cruise arm of Norway’s Fred Olsen Group, will send its 28,600-gt Black Watch (built 1972) to Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in November for a 26-day refit that the company describes as being a multimillion-dollar undertaking.
Work on the popular ship will include significant engineering work as well as a substantial upgrading to its passenger suites. Accommodation updates will range from a complete refurbishment of public rooms and cabins to equipping it with a 3D film theatre.
FOCL managing director Mike Rodwell says the company intends to put its other three ships — the Balmoral, Braemar and Boudicca — through similar refits in the upcoming years. This bodes well for Blohm+Voss, for whom the company is a habitual customer.
