A steel cutting ceremony was held for the CX103 expedition cruise design, the ‘Sylvia Earle’, on 16 March 2020 at the CMHI Haimen yard, China. She has been designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS for SunStone Ships.
The Sylvia Earle is the sister vessel of the Greg Mortimer, which was delivered in September 2019. Operator for both vessels is the Australian cruise company Aurora Expeditions.
The Sylvia Earle is vessel number 2 in SunStone's INFINITY series, and the fourth of the Ulstein designed exploration cruise vessels under construction at this yard.
Designed with the X-BOW® hull, the vessel will provide the best possible comfort for passengers in rough head seas, as well as being fuel efficient.
Telecommunications is no longer just a convenience; it is becoming the backbone of modern society. Secure and resilient communication networks are increasingly regarded as critical national infrastructure, sometimes even more vital than traditional energy resources. This shift reflects a world where data flow underpins everything from economic stability to military readiness.
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.
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.