New Innovative COVID Safe Cruise Designs

The 89-meter/292-foot vessel would have capacity for 138 passengers in 69 balcony cabins, served by 45 crew. Facilities include a restaurant, observation lounge, two libraries, a barbecue, four saunas and a sun deck — with many spaces designed to incorporate ‘individual environments.’

ASENAV’s overarching objectives are maximum safety and hygiene, roomy spaces to avoid crowding, high-quality construction and equipment while maintaining an affordable cost for the owner, and the lowest possible environmental impact.

HEPA filters, UV-C light and ionization will be used to sanitize air/ Entry/exit point doors have infrared sensors for temperature screening. Specially located cabins provide isolation in the event of illness, and the medical facility would be equipped with essential equipment for testing and treatment.

There will be sanitation spaces for luggage and provisions.

Hand sanitizer dispensers throughout would blend harmoniously into the design. Surfaces would be coated with antibacterial protection. The use of materials that accumulate dust, such as carpets and fabric curtains would be avoided in favor of coverings that enable thorough cleaning and sanitization.,

Roomy areas with individual environments

The large restaurant has tables adequately separated to maintain distancing, and the bar area is roomy. Sun deck niches provide space for two people each. The saunas have individual environments for two, as well, with a changing room, and a sanitization process between each use.

The ship’s design flow would facilitate only guest-facing crew having contact with passengers.

Safe space for Zodiac operations

Travelers would pass through a sanitation area with wide spaces to embark and disembark Zodiacs inside an interior marina that houses a hydraulic lift and boat storage, along with a wardrobe for excursion equipment and clothing.

Coastal concept, adaptable for polar regions

The design in its initial conceptualization is for coastal navigation — up to 20 miles out— though it can be developed for areas with open seas and adverse climates. According to ASENAV, the concept is also adaptable for polar regions and Polar Code compliance.

From an environmental perspective, the ship would meet Tier III certification with a selective catalytic reduction system to dramatically cut NOx emissions. Technical features include two azimuth thrusters driven by electric motors, stabilizers and a bow thruster.

Zodiacs will have electric outboard motors for lower emissions and reduced noise.

The ship has a processing plant for solid and liquid waste. An ultraviolet filter system will be used for water treatment.

ASENAV said it is proposing this design to the international cruise industry to enable expedition discovery and close contact with nature in sanitary conditions in a safe environment, with pleasant shipboard surroundings and a high comfort standard.

At the same time, the design is environmentally friendly, aiming for the least possible impact.

Experienced builder

With more than 46 years of experience in the design, construction and repair of vessels, ASENAV is the largest privately owned shipyard in South America. It has three production plants where it has built more than 186 vessels including passenger ships, harbor tugs, ropax and double-ended ferries, live fish carriers, offshore supply vessels, fishing boats and yachts, among others.

In late 2019, ASENAV delivered expedition ship Magellan Explorer to Antarctica21. The vessel was designed by the yard’s engineering department to meet the new Polar Code standards. Earlier passenger expedition vessels include Stella Australis and Via Australis.