Miami-based SunStone Ships has signed a contract with China Merchants Heavy Industry (Shenzhen) Company Limited (CMHI) for the construction of vessel number six in the INFINITY series, all designed by Ulstein.
Niels-Erik Lund, CEO and president of SunStone expects that the remaining four options will be signed by the end of 2019.
In 2017, SunStone and CMHI entered into an agreement on the construction of potentially ten vessels in the INFINITY series based on Ulstein’s designs.
The INFINITY vessels are based on the CX103 design featuring the X-BOW by Ulstein Design & Solutions. This IP protected bow was originally developed for excellent seakeeping in rough conditions, but also has the advantage of offering more space in the bow areas, taken in use for spacious lounges with outstanding views.
Niels-Erik Lund said: “Our charterers are anxious to enjoy the advantages of our cutting-edge technology, like the X-BOW design, along with the significant operating efficiencies offered by the INFINITY class. So, we’re moving as quickly as possible to get them into the market.”
The vessels are 104.4 m long and 18.4 m wide. They have a passenger capacity of 130-200, and a crew capacity of 85-115, small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere, large enough to yield all expected services and facilities, such as a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, boutique, cinema, gym and spa. The vessel stores abundant gear for outdoor activities such as Zodiacs, bikes, kayaks or paddle boards.
The hull will be built according to Polar class 6, Polar code Cat B, with dynamic positioning system and zero-speed stabilizers, and classed by Bureau Veritas.
The INFINITY class project is a global cooperation, with the ship owner and interior designer in the U.S., the interior supplier and ship designer are Scandinavian, the shipbuilding is carried out in China and the operators (charterers) are world-wide. Ulstein is responsible for the ship designs including the equipment package which has been purchased in Europe.