Oliver Design, a company specialising in naval design and architecture with Head Offices in Getxo (Bizkaia), has won a contract from Australian cruiser operator Scenic Cruises to develop the architectural design and exterior styling of the Scenic Eclipse, the world's most sophisticated luxury vessel. The Spanish company, based in the Basque Country, is playing a key role in this iconic project, which will redefine the concept of the cruiser, combining the opulence of a first class cruise with a chance to discover almost virgin landscapes and extreme natural environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic coasts and even the seabed.
The Scenic Eclipse is a pioneer in its class, defined by the owners as the “world's first discovery yacht”. This is a ship Jules Verne would have loved for its capacity to reach destinations most people have ever only seen on TV documentaries.
This 165-metre, 16,500 tonne super-luxury cruiser in mega-yacht format, with a beam of 22 metres, will incorporate the latest novelties in naval design and technology. Although intended for an exclusive clientele (carrying 228 passengers in 114 luxury suites), the ship will be adapted to withstand the most demanding conditions – storms, extreme temperatures, ice, etc. The icebreaker-like reinforced hull, special stabilisers to smooth large swells and duplicated critical ship systems will all ensure maximum passenger safety.
The vessel will be fitted with two helicopters, a seven-seater submarine, Zodiacs, diving equipment and kayaks to offer passengers a unique experience discovering different marine and coastal environments. The Scenic Eclipse will also be adapted to minimise impact on protected environments, using a system that will allow it to remain stationary without an anchor, and energy systems that minimise emissions.
Together with its six-star suites, the ship will have services comparable to those of a super-luxury hotel: restaurants serving international cuisine, a butler service, a 240-seat conference room, gyms and a heated swimming pool with retractable roof. All of these factors bring the estimated construction cost to $250 million (around €223m).
The vessel is currently being built in the Uljanik shipyards in Pula (Croatia) and is due to make its maiden voyage between Istanbul and Venice in August 2018. A further twenty cruise itineraries are scheduled in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, Antarctica, the Arctic and various routes in North and South America.
The marine and off-shore division of the leading certification and classification firm, Bureau Veritas, will be responsible for certifying the ship to the strictest safety criteria.
The owner, Scenic, is an Australian company founded in 1987 by Glen Moroney, specialising in luxury cruisers. It already operates twenty river cruise ships in Europe, Russia and South East Asia. Created in the environs of the city of Melbourne, the firm soon began to diversify, and it entered the river cruise scenic market in 2008. The company has 400 employees, a fleet of 21 ships, and annual turnover of around 40 million dollars.
The role of Oliver Design
Competing against specialist firms from around the world, Oliver Design was chosen by this demanding shipowner to develop the entire exterior styling of the vessel, as well as the architectural conceptual design.
In developing the architectural project, Oliver Design has worked in coordination with the Finnish naval engineering firm Foreship to meet the highest technical, legal and regulatory requirements required of a polar class vessel, as well as the even more challenging demands involved in the complexity of the Scenic Eclipse.
Some of the most significant and complex aspects of Oliver Design’s architectural design include:
– A large heliport and two hangars for medium-large sized helicopters in the upper part of the stern, with two folding wings on the sides.
– An “indoor/outdoor ” pool with a retractable roof, also in the stern.
– A 300 square metre spa with access to Jacuzzi-type swimming pools on the stern of Deck 5.
– Six different on-board restaurants, with very individual and welcoming ambiences.
– An onboard garage for several kayaks, six inflatable dinghies and a small submarine to allow passengers to enjoy the full experience of discovering the marine environment.
– A 240-seat theatre fitted with the most advanced media for hosting shows, meetings, lectures, etc.
– One of the most complex tasks involved layout of the midship cabins and the luxury suites in the bow, together with the necessary service and upkeep.
– All of these features are coordinated with a stunning external design, finalised after numerous different proposals, alternatives, external impact studies, etc.
