Knud E. Hansen unveils sail-equipped cruise ship design

Knud E. Hansen has unveiled a design for a 110-metre sail-assisted cruise vessel that can accommodate up to 100 passengers.

With a range of 6,000 nautical miles, the vessel is aimed at the adventure-cruise market but with the capability to visit destinations that are inaccessible by larger ships.

The vessel will have fuel tanks designed for low-sulphur diesel in addition to its sail propulsion system as well as a large battery bank to allow for zero emissions in port as well as specially protected areas.

The sailing rig is designed by Detlev Loell Ingenieurbüro and is comprised of three free-standing masts, each with a fully-battened main sail with adjustable trailing-edge flaps for optimising lift. The total sail area, which includes a single head sail on the forward mast, is 1,910 square metres.

The sails are computer-operated and are designed to provide peak performance, even in light winds.

The rig design, combined with four diesel-electric engines, will allow the vessel to cruise at 15 knots in most operating conditions.

The accommodation decks include 46 passenger cabins and two deluxe cabins. All of the cabins are located outboard with ocean views, and many have private balconies.

Located in the hull is a lounge with underwater windows for viewing marine life. On the second deck is a large tender garage with a capacity for multiple rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), jet skis, diving gear, and other recreational equipment, as well as ROV camera equipment for observation of underwater environments at a maximum depth of 3,000 metres.