The keel of a groundbreaking polar expedition ship to be called the Ultramarine, which is being built for US client Quark Expeditions, was laid at Brodosplit shipyard on Monday.

The ship to be completed next year will be 128 meters long, with a beam of 21.5 meters, it will weigh 13,500 gross tons and have two helidecks and 20 fast life boats. Four electric and diesel engines will enable it to sail at 16 knots.

The ship will combine state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge safety features that will enable passengers to disembark more quickly and go deeper into the polar wilderness.

“This is a new business success for Brodosplit and a positive step forward on the market. This will be a beautiful ship that will accommodate 196 passengers who will be cared for by a 113-crew. With such ships, Brodosplit is definitely competing with the world market,” said the dock’s spokesman, Josip Jurisic.

He added that Brodosplit was operating in the black and its order books were full until 2022.