Recently established Norwegian cruise venture and Portuguese shipbuilder West Sea have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to construct the company’s maiden vessel.
The companies said in a statement that expected delivery will be at the start of the 2025/2026 cruise season.
Northern Xplorer (NX) Founder and CEO Rolf André Sandvik, said: “This is a new milestone on our journey towards emission-free cruising.
“Having approached yards worldwide for tenders, we’re delighted to be embarking on this exciting project with West Sea.
“They are a modern, professional yard with a good track record. It’s great to be here at SMM for the signing alongside our technology partner, ABB, whose expertise has been key to developing the concept of this pioneering vessel.”
West Sea Manager Vitor Figueiredo, said: “As a shipbuilder focused on advanced vessels and high quality, we very much look forward to working together with Northern Xplorer.
“We’re proud to be taking a lead in building such an innovative and technologically advanced vessel of a high standard that will have minimal impact on the environment.”
West Sea intends to build the 250-passenger vessel at its facility in Viana do Costello north of Porto.
The company’s cruise newbuilding portfolio to date includes the 200-passenger World Navigator (built 2021), World Voyager (built 2020) and World Explorer (built 2019).
These are the first three in a series of seven high-end polar expedition vessels for a renowned luxury cruise operator.
The vessel’s design features ABB’s fully electric propulsion system, including the battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The technologies will enable it to sail emissions-free in the Norwegian fjords and further afield as the green shift takes root.
Jorulf Nergard, Vice President Business Development, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “We are very happy on behalf of Northern Xplorer, and it has been an honour to contribute with our expertise to this pioneering project aiming to prove the viability of eco-friendly cruise operations using zero-carbon fuel.”
NX and ABB are currently in dialogue with multiple sub-suppliers for vessel systems.
Sandvik said: “We haven’t made any final decisions yet because we want to go with the newest technology as it becomes available.
“Where possible we also aim to select the most sustainable materials available in the market.”
NX has worked closely with Oslo-based Affinity Offshore AS, who, Sandvik said, “has done a tremendous job in sourcing the right shipyard for such an innovative project.
“Our financial partner Clarksons Securities AS will assist us as lead manager on the project, while I’d also like to thank our fantastic ship designer, Multi Maritime AS in Førde, who has worked persistently for three years with a design that is truly eye-catching. It is a vision for the future and will be a jewel to travel in.”
Oslo-based business law firm Grønvigh, Tjersland & Indrevær DA (www.gtilaw) were central to creating the LoI’s legal framework.
“As part of our mission to create optimal value for our clients, we are very pleased to be helping Northern Xplorer on their journey to developing the cruise industry of the future,” said partner Jonas Tjersland.
The LOI is an important step toward creating a new paradigm in the cruise industry and meeting Norway’s brave decision to ban fossil fuel-powered ships from its world-heritage fjords from 2026.
“Discerning travellers want to cruise with a clean conscience, and with this ground-breaking green ship we aim to cater to that strong demand,” Sandvik said.
For more information, visit www.northernxplorer.com.
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