To design this new range, the Dutch team relied on the skills of Amels, a shipyard specializing in the construction of superyachts, and on the naval architecture studio Azure Yacht Design. Thousands of hours of research and development were necessary to obtain these Polar Class 6 boats.
A hull capable of breaking the ice
A hull shape had to be found that would be suitable for an expedition ship. It had to be as effective in ice as it was in tropical latitudes, on difficult sea routes and in severe weather. Optimizing the hull for ice breaking would have compromised the ship's performance at sea, so the teams opted for a patented Sea Axe Polar Class double hull for added safety and comfort.
The bow is optimized for polar conditions and can break through ice while the bow features the Sea Axe design for a stable and safe sea passage. This innovative hull design glides effortlessly through waves, instead of slamming.
Thus, the hulls were tested in ice tanks and Damen was able to benefit from the experience of Eyos Expeditions, organizer of luxurious expeditions in remote places. Thanks to its polar classification, the SeaXplorer can navigate in ice up to one meter thick.
Environmentally friendly navigation
In addition to its innovative hull, the SeaXplorer has many features for environmentally friendly boating: zero discharge mode, exhaust particulate filter, waste heat recovery for air conditioning, heating, drinking water and for heating the pool. The SeaXplorer range is also equipped for waste management and plastic disposal. It has storage tanks, an on-board incinerator, a glass crusher, a compactor, etc. Finally, the fuel storage tanks are double-walled to prevent oil spills.
SeaXplorer will meet the latest environmental standards, IMO Tier 3. They will be equipped with diesel-electric propulsion, two azimuth thrusters at the stern and two 350 kW bow thrusters, as well as retractable stabilizing fins.
The boats will thus benefit from a 40-day non-stop navigation autonomy, for a navigation in the greatest comfort.
Technological and leisure facilities
For safer navigation, the SeaXplorer will be equipped with iceberg radar, cameras with night vision, sonar and a detection system to avoid unwanted encounters.
In terms of equipment, the superyachts have a whole range dedicated to leisure and expedition: 3 tenders, toys, submarines, diving equipment, motorcycles, 4x4 vehicles, bicycles, a diving center with decompression chamber, not to mention a heliport and a hangar at the back of the boat for two helicopters.
A design that has nothing to envy to superyachts
Although the SeaXplorer range of boats will be primarily expedition boats, they will be equipped with the utmost luxury: a large dining room, spacious bedrooms, a panoramic observation lounge, an upper deck with sunbathing areas and a swimming pool, or a relaxation area with a hammam, a sauna, a rain shower or a gym. To get around on board, there will even be an elevator.
The range of SeaXplorer
The SeaXplorer 65 is 65 meters long and 14 meters wide, with a weight of 2000 tons and a speed of 15 knots. It can accommodate 12 guests and 20 crew members. In terms of equipment, there is a diving center, a helicopter, a rescue boat, a diving boat, 2 zodiacs, 1 submarine and 4 jet-skis.
The SeaXplorer 90 is 90 meters long and 16 meters wide, with a weight of 5000 tons and a speed of 16 knots. It can accommodate 22 guests and 36 crew members. On the equipment side, there is a diving center, a helicopter, an expedition RIB, 2 rescue boats, 4 zodiacs, 1 diving boat, 1 luxury tender, 2 submarines and 4 jet skis.
The SeaXplorer 100 is 100 meters long and 18 meters wide, with a weight of 7000 tons and a speed of 16 knots. It can accommodate 30 guests and 50 crew members. On the equipment side, there is a diving center, 2 helicopters, 2 lifeboats, 4 zodiacs, 1 expedition RIB, 1 diving boat, 1 luxury tender, 2 submersibles and 4 jet skis.
Damen is known in the yachting world for its renowned Dutch luxury builder, Amels, and its successful range of superyacht support vessels. Its shipyards generate annual sales of ?2 billion in markets including ports, defense and security, offshore and yachting/pleasure.
In conclusion, this concept of expedition yachts, able to navigate in ice, but also in warmer waters is a beautiful project, which makes one dream. A clever mix to combine cruising in remote and rather inaccessible places and luxury on board.
