Aurora Expeditions reveals the cutting-edge design of the ‘Sylvia Earle’ Its second purpose-built expedition ship

16th November 2020, London: Aurora Expeditions Australia’s pioneering expedition cruise operator is on schedule with the build of its second state-of-the-art expedition ship, the ‘Sylvia Earle’, and today can reveal its striking new exterior design alongside renders of its impressive interiors.

Due for delivery in October 2021, the ship is named after the world-renowned oceanographer and marine conservationist, Dr. Sylvia Earle, who is actively involved in the development of her namesake. The purpose-built ship features the cutting-edge Ulstein X-BOW®, a core design element that is essential to the speed, agility and impressive fuel efficiency of the ships in the Aurora Expeditions fleet.

CEO Monique Ponfoort says: “It is really exciting to see a second X-BOW ship coming into the market for Aurora Expeditions. Its innovative, eco-sensitive design captures the essence of small-ship expedition travel pioneered by Aurora Expeditions.”

Monique continues: “Exploring the natural world is at the heart of what we do and elements of nature have been brought into the interior design of the ‘Sylvia Earle’. Education and conservation are integral to our DNA, and ensuring passengers immerse themselves in a destination is of paramount importance to us. Our goal has always been to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of the wilderness areas we travel to and we know that the ‘Sylvia Earle’ is in a strong position to help us achieve those goals.”

Yet again, the second ship of this design will break new design grounds. The Ulstein X-BOW® on the ‘Sylvia Earle’ will incorporate a unique two-level glass lounge in its bow. Offering superb views from the front of the ship, passengers will be able to appreciate this extraordinary perspective on the horizon, in particular when the majesty of a large iceberg appears in the distance. This ship will also feature an outdoor swimming pool, heated by repurposing engine heat, which will be a welcome addition to its facilities in warmer regions.

Beautiful spaces have been integrated into the interior layout, a highlight of which is The Sylvia Earle Science Centre. Created with input from Dr. Earle herself, the science centre, located in the glass lounge in the bow, is the perfect space from which to experience onboard citizen science programmes. In keeping with Dr. Earle’s own vision and achievements, there will be a particular focus on marine education and conservation.

Tomas Tillberg, Managing Partner of Tomas Tillberg Design and his team have led the interior design of the ‘Sylvia Earle’, as they did with the ‘Greg Mortimer’ Aurora Expeditions first X-BOW ship.

“Our close collaboration with Aurora Expeditions has resulted in a design that is not only visually appealing but also eco-friendly as we have chosen, where possible, materials that are environmentally sustainable. The design also emphasises the importance of casual, elegant comfort, that will really make guests feel relaxed and at home.”

Global Head of Marketing, Victoria Primrose, notes: “The sleek exterior livery of the ‘Sylvia Earle’ makes use of our signature teal colour making the ship instantly recognisable as an Aurora Expeditions vessel. For the interiors we deliberately chose a simple, natural colour palette, taking inspiration from the remote and pure natural areas that we travel to.”

Aurora Expeditions ships boast one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, due to a combination of low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design. The state-of-the-art Tier 3 engine delivers an 80% reduction in emissions* and can utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position instead of dropping anchor on a delicate seafloor. On-board desalination plants convert seawater to freshwater that is safe to drink. The ships, therefore, carry less fresh water on sea crossings, further reducing fuel consumption.

The ‘Sylvia Earle’ will be the second in the fleet to sail with the patented ULSTEIN X-BOW®, whose inverted bow design, in combination with Rolls-Royce dynamic stabilisers, offers unrivalled stability and comfort1 on ocean crossings. The Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through sea swells, minimising vibrations and disturbances, and makes quicker transits through waves. This also helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 60%*.

*Tier 3 compared to the older Tier 1 engines.

1Aurora Expeditions does not claim that this will prevent or cure motion sickness or seasickness.

 

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