Polar adventure cruise line Aurora Expeditions is to christen its first purpose-built, ice-class expedition vessel Greg Mortimer to honour company’s founder when the newbuild debuts in late 2019.
MS Greg Mortimer is an ice-class 1A expedition cruise ship. The patented ULSTEIN X-BOW design is one of its unusual for expedition ship features. The vessel will also utilise the latest technologies in naval engeneering.
Specializing in Arctic and Antarctica expedition cruising, Aurora Expeditions has worked with US-based shipowner SunStone Ships Inc to construct a custom-designed vessel that remains true to the ethos of the company of pioneering intimate experiences and adventures with nature.
With the highest for passenger vessel ice-class 1A (Polar Class 6 / PC 6), Greg Mortimer complies with the latest polar code specifications, offering unprecedented levels of safety and environmental protection. Exclusively designed for polar cruises, the vessel will allow Aurora Expeditions to continue to provide the company's authentic, top quality small-ship travel experience.
The major advantage of ULSTEIN X-BOW is the ability to pierce waves with improved stability in comparison to the traditional bow design. X-BOW vessels are less subject to vertical motions (induced by waves, continuing on course smoothly while maintaining high speeds. The Greg Mortimer ship's engines will use less fuel, so it will also reduce air emissions and fuel consumption.
The ship wiil b equipped with the latest propulsion and return-to-port systems. It will also have top-notch dynamic positioning technology - computer-controlled systems allowing automatic maintenance of the vessel's position through its own propulsion units (thrusters and propellers). This allows stable floating while maintaining the necessary stability for launching watercraft - and without using anchors.
Aurora Expeditions’ newest ship will make access to nature much more easier and offer guests a more comfortable experience along with dedicated observation decks and outdoor viewing areas. It will provide better adventure ship travel opportunities via a custom-designed platform for seakayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. A fleet of small-sized Zodiacs (inflatable boats) will be used for passenger transportation between the ship and land. The aft-located Zodiac loading platform will allow easy boarding. The ship will have two lifeboats (full passenger capacity) and spacious Sun Deck used for both relaxation and wildlife viewing.