National Geographic Endurance completes sea trials

National Geographic Endurance, a new expedition ship purpose built for Lindblad Expeditions for polar navigation, has successfully completed sea trials in Storfjorden, Norway.

The comprehensive sea trials put the vessel through a series of exercises that tested propulsion, navigation systems and emergency manoeuvres, including a live test of the safe return to port system.

The National Geographic Endurance can accommodate 126 guests in 69 spacious cabins—all of which face outside and have large windows or balconies, private bathrooms, individual climate control, Wi-Fi, and an expedition command centre with tablets and USB/mobile device docking.

The ship, named in honour of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship, is the first of two Lindblad Expeditions’ X-Bow polar newbuilds designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS.

The X-Bow design provides fuel efficiency and a very high polar ice class (PC5 Category A) for access deep into polar regions. The ship’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas, while the zero-speed stabilizers will ensure stability, at all speeds.

Prior to setting off on her maiden voyage on 2nd April to explore the Arctic, the Endurance will return to the shipyard, Ulstein Verft, for the final outfitting phase.

The second vessel, National Geographic Resolution, is set to be delivered in 2021.