Orient Express has added another supplier to its project with Chantiers de l’Atlantique building the world’s largest sailing ship for its new cruise venture, with Brunvoll set to provide the main propulsion for the Silenseas.
The Norwegian company’s propulsion system will include a twin-screw configuration with a controllable pitch propeller and an electrical drive, supporting the three 100m high sail masts that will make the Silenseas and its sister vessels the biggest sailing ships in the world.
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Arnfinn Brautaset, sales manager for Brunvoll, said: “This Project confirms Brunvoll as one of the front runners concerning propulsion design and main propulsion efficiency where our skilled hydrodynamicists have been working closely together with Chantiers de l’Atlantique on the development and assessment of different propulsion solutions these spectacular vessels.”
The 220m long vessel being built in France is the flagship vehicle for the famous rail operator’s first venture into the cruise industry and will be powered by a 25DF dual-fuel engine from Wärtsilä running on LNG.
As with Wärtsilä, Brunvoll’s order covers systems for Silenseas and another vessel being built for the Orient Express’ fleet, with the propulsion company saying its deal also includes options for two more.
The 3.9m diameter controllable pitch propellers provided by Brunvoll will have a direct electrical drive with the company’s Thrust-OD Boc and have been designed to be fully feathering to limit drag while sailing.
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By GlobalDataThe Silenseas is scheduled to launch in 2026 and will include 53 cabins with an average size of 70m2 as well as a presidential suite, two swimming pools, two restaurants, and a speakeasy bar.
