176 | TRADEABOAT.COM.AU
Queensland-based Coral Expeditions has
taken its investment in cruise tonnage to
the next level, publicly confirming an order
for a second expedition cruise ship not
long after taking delivery of its newest
Coral Adventurer.
The 93.4m by 17.2m ship was delivered from
Vard’s shipyard in Vietnam during April and is
now in commercial operation, completing its
first cruise from Singapore to Darwin in May.
The ships are tailored to meet growing
local demand for the company’s expedition
product. With a focus on intimacy, high
quality and the optimal passenger experience,
they accommodate up to 120 passengers
across four decks.
All cabins have ensuites and are outside
facing, the majority with their own private
balcony. Cabin sizes range from 17 square
metres right through to the 55.6 square
metre Bridge Deck Balcony Suites.
There is also more than 1,000 square
metres of open deck space, including a wrap-
around promenade deck, and the Barralong
Room which is used to host scientific research
or exhibitions. The living spaces were
designed by Brisbane firm Arkhefield.
Alongside the passenger accommodation
they have cabins for up to 42 crew members.
The ships have advanced expedition tender
capabilities, with two 65 passenger capacity
“Xplorer” aluminium tender boats and six
heavy duty inflatable boats for more intrepid
exploration. Supporting features include
a lecture lounge with multimedia for daily
expedition briefings and presentations, and a
shallow draft.
A feature of the operation is that
passengers are provided with an insight into
the ship’s operations. Examples of this include
a lounge in the bridge, a galley viewing
window, and engine room tours.
Propulsion is diesel electric with two
Caterpillar 3512C-based generators providing
1360kW each, an a single 940kW generator.
These are used in variable configurations to
optimise power output and fuel efficiency.
The small generator is more than sufficient
for shipboard needs at anchor, and the
ships can slow steam with one of the main
generators shut down.
Propulsion and steering is through Rolls
Royce Azipull azimuthing pod drives with
Marelli Motori electric motors used for the
propulsion drive. The system gives a cruising
speed of 13.8 knots. Fuel tanks provide for
31 days continuous free steaming, which
amounts to 8,000 nautical miles at 10.5 knots.
Two reverse osmosis water generators can
produce in excess of 100,000L of fresh water
each day.
Vard said the on-time delivery, high quality
finish and excellent feedback resulted in the
contract for the second vessel, which will be
named Coral Geographer.
This was echoed by Coral Expeditions
Group General Manager Mark Fifield who said:
“We were part of the shipbuilding team fromday one, from concept design, to building the
ship and getting her ready to sail.”
“Together, we have had a steady course,
and we are proud to be sailing this amazing
vessel. We thank the Vard team for
their professionalism in delivering Coral
Adventurer on time and to specification. We
look forward to continuing collaboration on
Coral Geographer.”
The second ship is expected to be
delivered in the fourth quarter of 2020, and
will feature an increased proportion of Bridge
Deck Balcony suites – up from two to six,
each featuring a spacious ‘horizon’ bath.
Paul Chacko, executive director, of Coral
Expeditions, commented: “Coral Adventurer
replicated the proven layout, look and feel,
and expedition tender capabilities of our
other three ships but added new amenities
such as a passenger elevator, gym and an
open galley to enhance the guest experience.
The ship features Australian-designed
interiors with natural stone and timber.
“Coral Geographer will continue that style
and further build out our bluewater fleet.
Our company has been operating expedition
cruises for 34 years and we were clear about
what we wanted.
“It was important to choose a shipyard that
understood our high ambitions and had the
capability, expertise and infrastructure to
help us realise them.”Coral Expeditions Confirms
Sister For New Flagship