SunStone Eyes Up to Ten Expedition Cruise Ships

SunStone Miami-based expedition vessels provider SunStone Ships has reached an agreement with China Merchants Industry Holdings (CMIH) for the construction of up to ten expedition vessels. Under the framework agreement signed between the parties, the Chinese shipbuilder would construct four expedition ships for SunStone with options for six more vessels. With a length of 104 meters and a width of 18.2 meters, the new cruise ships will have 80 to 95 passenger cabins. The ice class 1A vessels will be part of the SunStones fleet and chartered to new and existing clients, according to the company. SunStone Ships has not disclosed any financial details regarding the order. China Merchants Industry Holdings hired Norwegian Ulstein Design & Solutions for the supply of the vessel’s design and equipment package, as well as the supervision for the building of the ships, while Finland-based Mäkinen will establish a cabin assembly plant and interior workshop at the shipyard’s facilities and will be responsible for all interior spaces on the new builds.