Fincantieri’s subsidiary Vard, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, has delivered HANSEATIC spirit, the third ship in a new series of luxury expedition cruise vessels to Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
The handover of HANSEATIC spirit completes the series of three vessels in the new Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition class. The HANSEATIC spirit will now join the state-of-the art expedition fleet alongside its structurally identical sister ships, the HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC inspiration, which were delivered in 2019. Like her sister ships, HANSEATIC spirit is tailored to allow passengers to access remote regions, ranging from the Arctic and Antarctic to the Amazon.
The new ship measures 138 meters long and 22 meters wide and can accommodate 230 guests or 199 guests.
“We are proud to welcome the HANSEATIC spirit as the newest member of the fleet. I am delighted that we have been able to work successfully with the VARD shipyard in a challenging period to complete this build and we can now showcase a state-of-the-art expedition fleet with three small and maneuverable 5-star expedition ships.” said Julian Pfitzner, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
The steel cutting ceremony of HANSEATIC spirit took place in June 2019 at Vard Tulcea in Romania. The keel laying followed in July 2019 and work began on building the hull of the expedition ship. The ship was towed to Vard Langsten in Norway at the end of 2020 for further outfitting, finalizing, testing and delivery.
Yard Director at Vard Langsten, Ronny Opsjøn Langset said: “All three sister ships in the new Hapag-Lloyd Cruise expedition class are now delivered. When developing these beautiful vessels, we really had to use the best of our skills across borders and disciplines. The vessels are delivered with the highest standards all the way from ship design, technical solutions, noise and vibrations, and the perfection of the interior quality. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of all our designers, system developers and shipbuilders, we have managed to build and deliver this unique fleet of luxury expedition cruise ships.”
HANSEATIC spirit will set sail on her maiden voyage at the end of August.