The multifunctional polar expedition vessel with the innovative X-BOW hull left the CRIST shipyard today. "National Geographic Resolution" will now sail to the Norwegian Ulstein Verft shipyard, where the finishing works will be carried out. The ultimate recipient of the ship is Lindblad Expeditions.

Today's event is the next step in the construction of one of the most innovative passenger ships in the world - NB 316, sister unit of NB 312 "National Geographic Endurance". Nearly 125 meters long and more than 20 meters wide, the ship will be able to sail in difficult polar conditions, taking on board in luxurious conditions over 100 passengers at a time.

"NB 316 is another expedition unit, after NB 312, which is being built in our shipyard. Thus, we increase our share in the constantly developing market of passenger vessels" said Tomasz Wrzask, PR & Marketing Manager at CRIST S.A.

The unit was equipped with a hull from the X-BOW line known so far from units intended for the offshore industry. The use of this solution in a passenger ship will reduce the impact of waves against the hull, thus increasing the comfort of travel and will lead to a significant reduction in noise and vibration. The shape and closed nature of the X-BOW are also intended to minimize the risk of wave splashing, avoiding the hazard or nuisance of slippery or icy decks.

The very movement of the unit in polar conditions has also been facilitated. The ship will be able to operate faster and more efficiently in unfavorable sea conditions, with less time spent traveling through the most dangerous sea areas. Importantly, thanks to the patented X-BOW hull, the unit will have a much lower impact on the environment, while reducing daily operating costs.

The partially equipped unit was built at the CRIST shipyard, and the last finishing works will be carried out at the Norwegian Ulstein shipyard. The final recipient of the ship is Lindblad Expeditions. The finished unit will start operating in 2021.

The CRIST shipyard is one of the largest Polish shipyards. During the thirty years of operation, CRIST has achieved the position of one of the leading manufacturers of specialized shipbuilding equipment in the segments of hydrotechnical equipment and vessels for the largest global recipients. The quality of the services provided and the production potential of CRIST are increasingly appreciated by shipowners, which is perfectly evidenced by subsequent contracts filling the order portfolio until the end of 2020. The shipyard focuses its development on the construction of specialized ships and structures for the maritime industry.