Hydroniq to Cool Ulstein-Built Vessel

Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein Verft has awarded a contract to Hydroniq Coolers to deliver a hull-integrated seawater cooling system for a polar expedition vessel the shipbuilder is constructing for Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

The expedition vessel, designed by Ulstein, will be the first polar new build in the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet. Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. is an expedition travel company that works in partnership with National Geographic to inspire people to explore and care about the planet. The organisations work in tandem to produce innovative marine expedition programme and to promote conservation and sustainable tourism around the world.

“As this vessel will travel to some of the most remote and pristine parts of the world, people expect it to have an impressive environmental profile. Although passengers will not be able to see our system, they can rest assured that the vessel will be equipped with the most energy efficient seawater cooling system in the market,” says Inge Bøen, CEO of Hydroniq Coolers, a supplier of cooling solutions and heat exchangers to the shipbuilding market and selected land-based applications.

Hydroniq Coolers – formerly named Sperre Coolers – will deliver its Hydroniq Rack seawater cooling solution that will be integrated in the hull below the main engine room of the vessel. Marine cooling systems are utilised to reduce temperatures in the ship’s engines and other auxiliary systems through use of seawater.

“Reduced energy consumption means lower emissions to air and lower operating cost for the vessel. With regards to our Rack seawater cooling system, being environmentally responsible equals being financially responsible,” adds Inge Bøen.

The company will manufacture and assemble the equipment at its headquarter in Aalesund, Norway. The marine cooling system for the vessel – National Geographic Endurance, which is scheduled for delivery from Ulstein Verft in Q1 2020 – will be delivered end-April 2019.

Hydroniq Coolers has not disclosed the value of the contract, which includes an option to deliver a similar system to an identical expedition vessel that Ulstein Verft will build for Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.

The National Geographic Endurance polar vessel has been designed as the ultimate expedition platform with a focus on safety and comfort, as well as incorporating innovative sustainability solutions to reduce its environmental impact. A core feature is Ulstein’s signature X-BOW, a unique design that affords the smoothest, most comfortable ride imaginable, which results in greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions, for reduced environmental impact.

The ship will be able to accommodate 126 passengers in 69 spacious guest cabins and suites and is designed to connect guests to their environment and be the ultimate platform for exploration.

Hydroniq Coolers delivers marine cooling solutions to vessels that operate within offshore, shipping, cruise, passenger transport, fishery and fish farming. Shipowners, yards and ship designers are among the company’s customers and cooperation partners. The company is owned by Norwegian investment company SMV Invest AS (formerly Sperre Mek. Verksted AS).