The construction of passenger ships is a segment in which Croatian shipyards can compete, and Brodosplit has successfully positioned itself in the niche market of building Polar Expedition Cruise Ships. With these projects, Brodosplit ranks among the leading shipbuilders in the global market. So far, four ships for polar cruises have been built, making the Split-based shipyard the European leader in the mid-sized polar cruise ship segment.
In May 2019, Brodosplit delivered the polar cruise ship Hondius, built for the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions. It is 107.6 meters long, 17.6 meters wide, and powered by two main engines with a total output of 4,260 kW, enabling a speed of 15 knots. The ship accommodates 196 passengers in 85 cabins. The design and technical solutions were developed by Brodosplit’s engineers, reaffirming the company’s key role in the global shipbuilding industry. Hondius successfully completed its first Arctic season just before the COVID-19 pandemic, offering passengers a high hotel standard with a variety of cabin categories – from spacious suites to twin and four-bed cabins – all equipped with advanced safety systems ensuring a comfortable and secure stay.
Hondius
In April 2021, Brodosplit delivered the polar expedition ship Ultramarine, built for the American company Quark Expeditions. The ship is 128 meters long and 21.5 meters wide, reaching a speed of 16 knots. It is powered by four main engines with generators, featuring a combination of diesel and electric propulsion with a total output of 4,400 kW. The ship can accommodate 200 passengers in 103 luxury-equipped cabins, served by 116 crew members. Ultramarine offers passengers breathtaking views of glaciers above and below the water’s surface, while two helicopters onboard provide a unique polar experience. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and supply chain disruptions, the ship was successfully built, with a contract value exceeding 110 million euros.
Ultramarine
Another significant project by Brodosplit is Golden Horizon, the world largest square-rigged sailing ship, measuring 162 meters in length. It features five masts and 36 square sails with a total sail area of 6,347 m² and is classified as Ice Class 1E, allowing it to operate in polar regions during certain times of the year. This luxurious vessel, delivered in 2021, accommodates 272 passengers and is designed for wind- and current-driven voyages, offering exceptional journeys across the world’s seas.
Golden Horizon
Currently, Brodosplit is in the outfitting phase of Newbuild 485, the fourth vessel in its polar expedition ship program and a sister ship to Hondius, further strengthening its position in the global market.
