VARD and expedition shipbuilding

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VARD and expedition shipbuilding

For expedition ships, VARD brings together design, shipbuilding and other technical services. The work is divided among specialized units: ship design, hull construction and outfitting are distinct steps on the way to delivery.

Viking Polaris: hull built in Tulcea, outfitting in Søviknes

Delivered in September 2022, the Viking Polaris illustrates how the work is divided. Vard Tulcea in Romania built the hull, while Vard Søviknes in Norway handled the outfitting. Vard Design was responsible for the ship design; Viking is named as the shipowner.

VARD classifies the Viking Polaris as an expedition ship. It is intended for voyages in the Arctic, Antarctica and the North American Great Lakes. VARD’s reference specifies a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, as well as fin stabilizers and U-tank stabilizers; the latter are designed to reduce rolling when the ship is stationary. According to the shipyard, the vessel measures 205 meters long and 23.5 meters wide. It also lists capacity for 378 people and 189 cabins.

More than hull construction: the group’s services

VARD’s international shipyard network includes locations in Norway, Romania, Vietnam and Brazil. In Norway, these are Vard Brattvaag in Brattvåg, Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord and Vard Søviknes in Søvik. In Romania, the group operates shipyards in Brăila and Tulcea. The network also includes Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam and Vard Promar in Brazil. Integrated shipbuilding spans the process from design to delivery.

In addition to ship design and shipyard work, the group offers specialized technical services. Vard Electro develops solutions for vessel operations and plant performance. Vard Interiors designs onboard work and living spaces. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) maintains the onboard climate, while piping systems support the ship’s utilities and operations. SEAONICS provides handling equipment for offshore tasks. These services show why shipbuilding involves more than assembling a hull: technology, utilities and functional interior spaces are also part of developing a vessel ready for service.

For an overview of other cruise ships, the article on ship sections, shipyard construction and undocking helps distinguish the individual construction stages. Shipowner and registered owner also refer to roles different from those of the designer or shipyard. Technical measurements such as length and breadth can be compared with the article on length, breadth and depth.