Yno 176 - Midnatsol
Yard number 176, built in 1982 as a 'Hurtigrute' (coastal line) for shipowner Troms Fylkes Dampskipsselskap (TFDS). Built at Ulstein Hatlø A/S dept. Ulstein. The first of two vessels built by Ulstein for Hurtigruten. Lady sponsor was Elisabeth Giæver. Currently operating as a small expedition cruise vessel.
Passenger vessel and cargo vessel built at Ulstein Hatlø AS, dept. Ulstein
Ship facts at delivery 1982
Length: 108,0 m
Beam: 16,5 m
Dead weight: 1,300 t
Speed: 17,5 kn
Main engines: 2
Effect: 6400 Hk
Ship type: Passenger vessel and cargo vessel
Number of passengers: 190
Passenger seatings in lounges: 250
Passenger cabins: 86
Passenger certificate: 410
Other ship names: "Midnatsol II", "Lyngen", "National Geographic Explorer"
Ship history
1982: The vessel was converted in Germany. The large deck crane aft was removed. Cabins were added aft.
1982-2003: Regular 'Hurtigruten' line traffic between Bergen and Kirkenes
2003: Replaced by a new passenger/cargo vessel with the same name, built at Fosen Mek. Verksted. Renamed "Midnatsol II"
2004: Lay off and for sale at Fiskerstrand Verft
2005: Renamed "Lyngen"
2006: Troms Fylkes Dampskibsselskap (TFDS) was merged with Ofoten and Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab (OVDS) and created Hurtigruten Group and later changed to Hurtigruten ASA
2008: Renamed "National Geographic Explorer". Operates as a 'luxury expedition vessel', a small passenger vessel for 148 people, and a part of the Lindblad Expeditions fleet in cooperation with National Geographic. The expedition yacht has educational and entertainment facilities. These include a fitness centre, a chart room and lounge, a fleet of 36 kayaks and 14 crafts, a library, observation lounge, and a remotely operated vehicle capable of diving down to 1,000 feet water depth. The vessel frequents areas such as the Antarctica and Arctic, Norway, Greenland and Canada.
2017: Still active- IMO 8019356. Owner and operater are Lindblad Expeditions, New York NY, USA