The Ocean Explorer keel laying ceremony in December 2019

Keel laid for the Ocean Explorer

On 16 December 2019, the CMHI Haimen yard in China carried out the keel laying ceremony for the Ocean Explorer. This is the fourth ULSTEIN X-BOW® design in the INFINITY class of expedition cruise vessels that the U.S. based shipowner SunStone Ships has contracted to CMHI.
  • Ocean Explorer, vessel number 4 in the INFINITY class.

The Ocean Explorer is based on the ULSTEIN CX103 design featuring the X-BOW® by Ulstein Design & Solutions.

Signing of documents at the Ocean Explorer keel laying ceremony at CMHI

The INFINITY Class vessels are 104,4 m long and 18,4 m wide. They have a passenger capacity of 264, and a crew capacity of 99, small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere, large enough to yield all expected services and facilities, such as hot tub, bar and restaurant, boutique, open-air cinema, gym and spa.

The flexible design of the INFINITY class series opens up to new possibilities for every new vessel. The Ocean Explorer stands out from vessel number 1, the Greg Mortimer, by having an infinity pool installed on deck 7. Furthermore, and novel for this vessel, is a unique entrance atrium on deck 4 and 5 in way of main passenger entrance port and starboard. Another feature is an atrium forward consisting of a two-level lounge with piano bar and panoramic bow windows.

The first vessel in the INFINITY class, the Greg Mortimer, has received much positive feedback and media attention after her delivery in 2019. The X-BOW® provides gentle movements in head sea and reduces slamming and subsequent vibrations, this makes the crossing much more comfortable.

Vessel number three in the INFINITY class, the Ocean Victory, is currently assembled in the slipway at CMHI and scheduled to have her launching in early March.

Latest news

ULSTEIN Navy2025 Dec25 SB Duo
Feature

Ulstein designs for the standardised naval auxiliary vessels

With over a century of shipbuilding heritage, Ulstein is a vital part of the Norwegian maritime cluster, synonymous with innovation in ship design and the engineering that follows. From offshore vessels navigating the harshest seas to expedition cruise vessels exploring the polar regions, the company has consistently proven its ability to deliver advanced, reliable platforms. 

This experience forms the backbone as Ulstein now develops concepts for standardised naval vessels for the Royal Norwegian Navy. The ships will meet the Navy’s need for advanced, reliable and efficient vessel platforms.

Naval
N Xyyy Navy v3 Nov25 Sea Mil Ops Interceptor SB Aft Low
Press Release

Shipyard collaboration on standard auxiliary ships for the Norwegian Navy

The Royal Norwegian Navy has an ambition to acquire series‑produced, standardised naval vessels. This requires ships that are versatile, robust and future‑oriented, yet cost‑effective to build. Few shipyards in Norway can meet this challenge. Together, Larsnes Mek. Verksted (Larsnes) and Ulstein Group (Ulstein) have extensive experience and strong references in the design, construction, and maintenance of vessels. They collaborate to offer a solution that ensures the efficient production of naval ships. 

Naval