Damen SeaXplorer 75 expedition yacht is scheduled to enter service in 2020. Image courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
The wheelhouse of SeaXplorer 75 will feature large windows and enclosed bridge wings. Image courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
The ice-class hull of SeaXplorer 75 yacht is designed to break first-year ice with a thickness of 90cm. Image courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.

SeaXplorer

SeaXplorer 75 is a SeaXplorer expedition yacht being offered by Damen Shipyards Group in co-operation with its affiliate AMELS, for operations in icy conditions and remote tropical areas.

Damen received the contract to build the SeaXplorer 75 yacht in August 2017. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2020.

Damen SeaXplorer range also includes SeaXplorer 65, SeaXplorer 90 and SeaXplorer 100 expedition yachts.

SeaXplorer yacht design and features

The vessel will incorporate the Damen Sea Axe bow design, which offers superior seakeeping characteristics while reducing the resistance through the water. The design will also allow the yacht to sail at high speeds in strong winds and rough seas.

The double-acting steel hull and optimised stern are designed to facilitate operations in icy and tropical conditions. The yacht can break first-year ice with a thickness of 90cm.

The SeaXplorer 75 yacht will comply with the IMO Polar Code and be assigned Polar Class PC 6 and Ice Class 1C notations.

The expedition yacht will have an overall length of 75.15m and a gross tonnage of approximately 2,500t.

Deck equipment and systems

The primary control centre of the ship will feature large, full-glass windows and enclosed bridge wings. The sky lounge connecting the wheelhouse will be equipped with folding glass doors and outdoor heating system.

“The double-acting steel hull and optimised stern are designed to facilitate operations in icy and tropical conditions.”

The swim platform on the yacht will allow passengers to access the dive centre, which will be equipped with a preparation area, a changing space, a dry room, a tank store and a compressor room. The yacht will also feature a submersible hangar below deck.

The vessel will also offer enough space below deck for the storage of canoes, kayaks, amphibious craft, heli-ski gear, motorcycles, off-road four-wheel drive vehicles and mountain bikes.

The tender garage aboard the vessel will accommodate 10.5m luxury limo tender and Zodiac 5 inflatable boats, while the advanced launch and recovery system (LARS) will enable the launch / recovery of Damen 7.5m rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB).

The below-deck will also house a snow room with changing area, gear store and pre-flight briefing, while the tank deck will accommodate stores and garbage management operations, as well as large aviation fuel tank and refuelling systems.

Flight deck

The vessel will feature a primary surface helideck for helicopters up to a maximum take-off weight of 5t. The flight deck is fully certified for safe operations during day and night.

“The expedition yacht will have an overall length of 75.15m and a gross tonnage of approximately 2,500t.”

A second helipad with full rotation capability will serve as a back-up deck for additional helicopter. It will feature Bolidt synthetic teak and can be used to house sun loungers and a party tent.

The hangar facility below the main deck will accommodate two helicopters. The enclosed hangar will protect the embarked helicopters from external elements.

Accommodation onboard the SeaXplorer 75 expedition yacht

The SeaXplorer 75 will offer accommodation for 12 guests and 25 crew, which will include ice pilots, interpreters, dive-masters, submersible pilots, helicopter crew, physicians, photographers / filmmakers and security.

The seven luxurious suites on main and upper decks will be furnished with fully customised interiors created by the owner’s choice of interior designer. The suites will also feature state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

The vessel will also offer ample outdoor space for al fresco dining and experiencing panoramic views. The leisure and wellness facilities aboard will include a wellness centre, a sun deck Jacuzzi and a swimming pool with underwater lighting.

Propulsion

The propulsion train of the yacht will be reinforced for ice operations. The vessel will also feature zero-speed retractable stabilisers for operation in ice conditions. The propulsion system will provide a speed of approximately 15kt.