Wind, sails and hybrids: Oceanwide is preparing two eco-sailboats for 146 guests – premiere in 2027
Oceanwide Expeditions has signed an exclusive contract with the shipyard for the construction of two new eco-sailing expedition vessels, which are due to enter service in 2027.
Each ship is designed for 146 guests, a format that promises to combine cameramanship and a high level of environmental friendliness when traveling to remote corners of the planet.
These vessels are conceived as a step forward in sustainable shipping, including hybrid propulsion systems, a combination of renewable energy and traditional fuel systems, and the possibility of using biofuels and other alternative energy sources. The goal is to reduce emissions and reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing adventure experience and safety on difficult routes.
For those familiar with Oceanwide's fleet, the novelty is logical: the company's portfolio already includes Plancius and Ortelius - the ice-class vessel of the 1970s and 1980s - and the more modern Hondius, commissioned in 2019. The new eco-sailboats will complement this lineup, preserving the tradition of small, flexible and expedition-oriented vessels that can enter places inaccessible to large liners.
Imagine a morning on deck: the faint noise of hybrid engines, a slight whistling of wind in the rigging and a small squad of zodiacs ready to take you to steep shores, ice capes or colonies of birds. On board promise educational programs and hands-on activities – an opportunity not only to look but also to understand the ecosystems you visit. And another important point: many impressions are enhanced if a local guide meets you on the shore - he will tell you secluded coves, tell local legends and show what is not always visible from the deck.
Oceanwide is betting on the niche of “small and responsible” operators in the rapidly growing eco-tourism segment: as the market for mass expedition cruises expands, there is room for more intimate, nature-conscious travel. The new vessels will offer unique routes with minimal environmental impact and maximum immersion in the region – an ideal choice for those who value both adventure and responsibility.
The focus on sustainability, educational focus and format of up to 146 guests make the project a notable event in the world of expedition travel. We look forward to 2027 to see what new horizons these eco-sailboats will open – and remember: excursions with a local guide can turn a good trip into a truly unforgettable one.
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