Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 1 1 Although the Hanseatic-class ships are designed for polar regions, they also sail to warmer destinations like the Amazon HLC. “The Code has been produced to exceed all local and national rules, so we came up with umbrella rules and we’re taking into account that the northern seaways have less ice now.” The Polar Code had a significant impact on how HLC designed Hanseatic Inspiration and her sister ships. To demonstrate the huge undertaking that was involved, Brauer explains that there is a 47-page document relating to the Polar Code which is specific to each ship. As the code states that the impact of icebergs must now be calculated differently, HLC had to increase the amount of steel used in the hull. Similarly, rules relating to vessels being punctured have also been updated, so HLC had to make damage stability much heavier than in the past. “The amount and way of building bulkheads is increased significantly so we have to increase the size of the ship by 10-15% to fit everything into the vessel,” comments Brauer. In addition, stricter rules require the ice belt that encircles the hull to be wider, higher and reinforced. “This has added another 200 metric tonnes of steel,” notes Brauer. The code also states that the survivability of the passengers should be guaranteed if they have to disembark in lifeboats. To achieve this, lifeboats must now be covered and have heating, and carry around 30 cubic metres worth of survival equipment, including tents, cookers, food rations, fishing hooks, sleeping bags, thermal suits and headcuffs and overboots. Consequently, the Hanseatic-class ships have bigger lifeboats than other ships. HLC’s long history of operating expedition cruises hasn’t just been helpful for building the vessels; it’s also been essential in attracting high-quality crew and expedition experts to sail on them. “We have two big advantages: we have very good ships and very interesting “If you want to be market leader you must also be an environmental leader” Karl J. Pojer, CEO