SunStone Ships launched its Sylvia Earle expedition class “Infinity” ship at the China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) facility in Haimen. The company also announced that the keel of Ocean Odyssey had been laid by the shipyard.
SunStone CEO Niels-Erik Lund said they were "very satisfied with the quality and high construction standards of China Merchants Heavy Industry, which are completely at the level of European shipyards." He added they looked forward to continuing their relationships with all of their partners in the Infinity-class project and, even considering the global health crisis, were "progressing rapidly as planned at a very satisfactory speed, safety and quality level."
The launch of Sylvia Earle, carrying the China Merchants Heavy Industry helmet number 196-2, took place in Haimen, China. The vessel is chartered to Aurora Expeditions on a year-round long-term charter.
The shipyard also laid the foundation for Ocean Odyssey which is expected to enter charter service for Vantage Travel next year.
The Infinity class vessels are developed by SunStone for charter clients. They are 104 m long, 18 m wide and can accommodate between 130-200 passengers. The vessels' hulls are Ice Classed (IA/PC6).
The first Infinity class cruise ship, Greg Mortimer, which was delivered in 2019, is a long-term charter with Aurora Expeditions.