70 INTERVIEW The Infinity class, which debuted in 2019, has proven capable of operating across a variety of different environments Designing for the extremes Rodolfo Spinelli tells Alex Smith how SunStone Maritime Group is adapting its vessels for both warm water and polar exploration With expedition itineraries expanding beyond the polar regions into tropical and other warm-water destinations, SunStone Maritime Group is moving with the times to design ships capable of operating reliably across both extremes. The shift is shaping everything from hull form to general arrangement (GA), as the tonnage provider works to meet demand for itineraries that increasingly span both hemispheres. “As expedition itineraries now span tropical remote locations as well as polar regions, ships require multi-environment hull forms, strengthened bows and strong HVAC systems,” says Rodolfo Spinelli, managing director of newbuilds at SunStone. “Flexible GA plans are needed to support both warm- and cold-water operations, as required by our customers, along with convertible public spaces, expanded mudrooms and integrated nature-observation spaces.” The changing market for expedition cruises was evident in the evolution of SunStone’s newbuild design. The Infinity class, which debuted in 2019 with the delivery of Greg Mortimer, was designed explicitly for exploring the polar regions, though the vessels have proved capable of operating across the world. Its next series of vessels will have that flexibility built in from the start. “We are advancing the evolution of the first Infinity class by refining hull geometry and stability in line with newly applicable regulations,” says Spinelli. “The new series incorporates expeditioncentric spaces tailored for both warm- and cold-water operations, along with distinctive guest-experience features such as igloos and nature-viewing platforms.” That flexibility extends to onboard equipment and systems, where reliability across climates is just as critical as in the GA plan, explains Spinelli. “Retractable fin stabilisers, virtual anchoring, wastewater treatment systems, ice-classed rescue craft and solid expedition logistics equipment such as RIBs have been standard across all Infinity vessels built,” he says. “Our next generation of ships will see the addition of advanced heat-recovery systems, micro auto gasification System waste-disposal and hybrid battery technology. These solutions ensure we keep pushing for greener solutions which reduce environmental impact while retaining high levels of safety and comfort.” When specifying this kind of equipment, Spinelli says SunStone considers a consistent set of criteria, whatever the operating environment. “We evaluate reliability, lifecycle efficiency, class compliance, maintainability and performance in both cold and hot climates,” he says. “Noteworthy solutions on the market at the moment include zero-speed retractable fins and hybrid-ready power systems, which reduce fuel consumption without compromising manoeuvrability or safety in restricted waters.” Photo: Quark Expeditions
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