SunStone Ships, the largest tonnage provider to the expedition cruise industry in the world, announced the successful keel laying of Ocean Albatros, the 6th ship in their series of Infinity class newbuilds.
The Infinity series is the product of a collaboration between European design & technology and Chinese shipbuilding efficiency which is resulting in an expedition cruise ship with top-class stability, high operating efficiency, and innovative features.
The official keel-laying ceremony of Ocean Albatros (CMHI 196-6) took place at China Merchant Heavy Industries in Haimen, China.
The ship will be on year-round charter to the Danish company Albatros Expeditions, which is also the charterer of SunStone’s Ocean Atlantic and Ocean Victory.
Ocean Albatros is the sixth in a series of ten "Ulstein CX103" design (Infinity-Class) China-built expedition vessels, with sisterships Greg Mortimer (2019-Aug), Ocean Victory (2021-March), Ocean Explorer (2021-Jan), Sylvia Earle (2021-Sept), Ocean Odyssey (2022-Feb), Ocean Discoverer (2023-March) plus 4 more (TBN) units. The patented ULSTEIN X-BOW design is one of the unusual for expedition ships features, The vessel also utilizes the latest technologies in naval engineering. The ship is technically managed by Cruise Management International (Miami-based passenger vessel/fleet management company). CMI Leisure Miami handles hotel operations.
Ocean Albatros is scheduled for delivery in March 2023.
All ships ordered have long-term charter agreements.