Rolls Royce to design new polar cruise vessels

Rolls Royce has signed a contract worth about £25 million (US$33 million) with a  Norwegian builder to design and equip two new polar cruise vessels, with an option for two additional vessels.

The first vessel is to be completed the summer of 2018. The ships are customised for “adventure-rich” expedition voyages and can also operate on the Norwegian coast.

As well as the design of the new vessels, Rolls Royce will supply the ships’ technology and equipment.

The builder’s original agreement with the customer Hurtigruten includes the construction of two new vessels designed for exploring polar waters and the option for the construction of a further two explorer ships.