Carnival Selects Kongsberg for Expedition Ships

Kongsberg has signed an agreement with the shipbuilding firm T.Mariotti to provide its K-Bridge Integrated Bridge System (IBS) with K-Pos Dynamic Positioning (DP) functionality for two ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition cruise newbuilds to Carnival Corporation. 

The ships are under construction at the T.Mariotti yard in Genova, Italy for the ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn, a brand of Carnival Corporation. The first, Seabourn Venture, is due to enter service in June 2021, while her yet-to-be-named sister ship is scheduled for launch in May 2022.

As Seabourn’s first purpose-built expedition ships, every detail is being painstakingly considered to ensure that outstanding onboard luxury is matched with tough, hyper-efficient, state-of-the-art functionality. Constructed to PC6 Polar Class standards, the vessels will also carry two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiac inflatable boats and an array of kayaks to provide the most immersive guest experience available – and Kongsberg’s K-Bridge will form the secure operational foundation of both ships.

The K-Bridge system’s multi-functional workstations feature touch-sensitive control panels, joystick operation and large information displays enabling swift and accurate control of bridge auxiliary equipment. The system not only includes Kongsberg’s K-Pos dynamic positioning solution, SN90 forward-looking, omnidirectional sonar and ECDIS functions such as an integrated docking aid, but also provides mosaic enhanced 360°radar images and an ice radar.