SunStone Ships, Inc. has announced an aggressive delivery schedule for their highly sought-after newbuilds, Infinity-class vessels. During the Steel Cutting Ceremony of the Greg Mortimer, the first expedition vessel in the SunStone’s Infinity Series, the second shipbuilding contract was signed between China Merchant Heavy Industries (CMHI) and SunStone Ships. This Vessel, Infinity II (to be renamed), scheduled for delivery in August 2020, is essentially a sister vessel to the Greg Mortimer, with a capacity of 160 passengers. The Infinity II will have a number of different features from the Greg Mortimer, but otherwise will be a sister ship from a capacity and technical aspect.

SunStone’s President & CEO, Niels-Erik Lund stated, “While we aren’t yet ready to announce the long-term charterer of the second vessel, we are happy to report that long-term charter contracts have already been signed for the Infinity III and Infinity IV.” As a result of the enthusiasm for the vessel, the company says it is pursuing an accelerated development of the Pleet.

The Infinity II contract was signed by David Zhu, Director of CMHI, and SunStone Ship’s President, Niels-Erik Lund. Infinity II is the second vessel in a series of expedition cruise vessels being built by CMHI for SunStone; as part of a firm contract for four vessels with options for an additional six. The Vessels are 104 meters long, 18 meters wide having a draft of 5.1 meters, a passenger capacity between 130-200 and a crew capacity between 85 and 115. The Vessels are Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6 and are being built with Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning and Zero Speed Stabilizers.

The first ship, named the Greg Mortimer is scheduled for delivery August 2019 and goes on charter to Aurora Cruises, Australia.