Lindblad Expeditions and Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein Group have celebrated the keel-laying for Lindblad’s newest polar expedition vessel, the National Geographic Resolution. The occasion also served as the official naming ceremony for the new ship.
The National Geographic Resolution was named to honor Captain James Cook, the legendary explorer who was the first to circumnavigate Antarctica, cross the Antarctic Circle, and the first European to reach Hawaii. While he captained several ships in his career, his favorite was the MS Resolution, Lindblad said.
Scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021, the National Geographic Resolution is the sibling vessel to the National Geographic Endurance, which will make its inaugural voyage in April 2020. The 126-guest, Polar Class 5-rated National Geographic Resolution will incorporate Ulstein’s signature X-Bow design, a bow shape that provides fuel efficiency while significantly improving guest comfort in rough seas. Expanded fuel and water tanks will allow for extended operations in remote areas, while zero-speed stabilizers will improve stability.
A highlight of the ceremony was the traditional laying of the commemorative silver coin, the Hawaii Sesquicentennial half dollar, struck in 1928 by the United States Bureau of the Mint in honor of the 150th anniversary of Captain James Cook's landing in Hawaii. The rare vintage coin is owned by Sven Lindblad and depicts Captain Cook on the obverse and a Hawaiian chieftain on the reverse.
Joining from the Lindblad team in Poland for the occasion was Nikolaos Doulis, senior VP, new buildings and Reed Ameel, new-build site manager. Present for Ulstein was Kenneth Pettersen, project director and Jarle Åsemyr, manager hull department. Among the CRIST representatives was Marek Lewczuk, project manager.
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