Oceanwide Expeditions has announced the signing of a Letter of Intent for the construction and delivery of two eco-sail expedition vessels intended to expand the company’s fleet in the coming decade. The proposed ships are designed to continue the operator’s small-ship expedition model while supporting the development of more environmentally conscious polar tourism.
Each vessel is planned to accommodate 146 passengers and will incorporate a range of sustainability-focused design features. Among the most significant elements is a hybrid sail propulsion system intended to reduce fuel consumption and lower operational emissions through wind-assisted propulsion combined with conventional power systems.
The planned vessels are described as an evolution of the company’s existing Hondius-class concept, while introducing upgrades aimed at improving both operational performance and the onboard guest experience. Delivery of the first ship is currently targeted for 2029, with the second expected to follow in 2030.
Oceanwide Expeditions indicated that commercialization of the new vessels is expected to begin in early 2027, with additional details regarding the ships’ names, shipyard partners and technical specifications to be released as the project progresses.
The development reflects the company’s broader strategy of advancing technical innovation within the expedition cruise segment. When the expedition vessel Hondius entered service in 2019, it was recognised as the first small expedition vessel built to Polar Class 6 standards and designed specifically for expedition cruising in polar regions.
Oceanwide has also invested in upgrades to its existing fleet to align with environmental frameworks and operational guidelines established by organizations such as the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).
Company leadership indicated that the signing of the Letter of Intent represented the beginning of a new stage in the development of the fleet. It was noted that sailing had long been part of the company’s operational heritage and that the new vessels would integrate modern sustainability technologies, hybrid propulsion and a reduced environmental footprint while maintaining the expedition-focused guest experience associated with the brand. The project was also described as forming part of the company’s long-term strategy to remain a small-scale, flexible and environmentally responsible expedition operator.
Further information regarding the design and construction programme is expected to be released as the project advances toward final shipbuilding agreements.