MV Werften celebrated the commencement of the construction on Crystal’s new luxury expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor, with the cutting of the first piece of steel at their Stralsund site on January 15. Employees and guests watched as the flame cutter was launched by Genting Hong Kong Chairman and CEO, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay; Crystal President and CEO, Tom Wolber; Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Economics Minister, Harry Glawe; and Stralsund Mayor, Dr. Alexander Badrow.

“The Crystal Endeavor is a truly exceptional ship. We are proud to be able to implement this project and are particularly pleased to, once again, be starting shipbuilding activities in the Stralsund shipyard, creating hundreds of new jobs,” said Jarmo Laakso, CEO of MV Werften.

“We look forward to this innovative expedition yacht with great anticipation in the Stralsund shipyard,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Genting Hong Kong Chairman and CEO. “A highlight is our investment of over 20 million euros in new equipment so that the Stralsund shipyard will be able to build cruise ships efficiently in the future.”

Set to debut in 2020, Crystal Endeavor will be the largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship featuring Crystal’s legendary service and hospitality, all-suite, butler-serviced accommodations, and unmatched choices for bold adventure in the world’s polar and most remote destinations.

"With the first steel cutting in Stralsund, MV Werften successfully continues the course it has forged in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The further development of shipbuilding in the state will be the next stage of this company. Every newly built ship helps to safeguard the region's future. Important industrial jobs are being created in Western Pomerania," stated Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Economics Minister Harry Glawe.