The following is text of a news release from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB):
(FREELAND, Wash.) — Nichols Brothers Boat Builders was contracted by Lindblad Expeditions in December 2015 to construct two new 100-passenger cruise vessels for exploratory cruising in Alaska, Baja, Calif., the Pacific Northwest, Costa Rica and Panama, and Belize. Both vessels have joined the Lindblad Expeditions fleet. The first vessel, National Geographic Quest, was delivered in July 2017 and has voyaged to Alaska, Costa Rica and Panama. National Geographic Venture was delivered on Nov. 1 and will be embarking on its maiden voyage in December down the Pacific coast before it begins its season in Baja.
National Geographic Venture is a U.S.-flagged, U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter K, SOLAS compliant cruise vessel fully classed with Bureau Veritas. The ship is powered by two MTU diesel engines developing 1,600 hp each, driving Wartsila propellers through Reintjes reduction gears. The ship’s power is provided by two Volvo Penta generators providing 477 kW each, backed up by a 230-kW emergency generator. Additionally, a 300-kW Schottel bow thruster is installed to assist mooring evolutions. Additionally, Quantum Maglift stabilizers were added to this second vessel.
The precise requirements were that the vessel include accommodations for 108 passengers and 50 crewmembers, while also maintaining a maximum scantling length of 200 feet, tonnage below 100 U.S. GRT/3,000 ITC and SOLAS compliance. Additionally, the vessel was designed to accommodate a fitness room and spa, an outdoor companionway around the entire sun deck, and features dining and entertainment facilities and state-of-the-art expedition technology.
To meet specific design requirements set forth by Lindblad Expeditions to meet operational needs and passenger comfort, NBBB contracted with Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, Wash., for functional engineering, and BMT Nigel Gee of the United Kingdom for production engineering for modifications on the sun and lounge decks of National Geographic Venture, and a contract with Jamestown Metal Marine Services (JMMS) of Boca Raton, Fla., for interior systems design and material services.
On National Geographic Venture, JMMS provided and installed high-end architectural finishes throughout the vessel. Furnishings for public space areas, passenger and crew cabins were custom-made to suit Lindblad Expeditions’ design selections and regulatory requirements. Custom pre-fabricated toilet modules were developed for both crew and passenger cabins. The galley and food service areas were designed, constructed and inspected to the latest USPHS CDC standards for the cruise vessel industry.
NBBB contracted design and material services for the various ship systems, including fire prevention and detection, alarm and monitoring, communications, power management and water treatment services. JMMS worked hand in hand with NBBB to coordinate these engineering systems for production installation shipwide, seamlessly integrating mechanical and electrical with architectural systems to result in a ship exhibiting highly functional expeditionary voyage capabilities, visual appeal and luxurious comfort for both passengers and crew.
