SunStone: Pioneering a New Era of Excellence

SunStone Ships is advancing with plans for its next wave of vessels, as it transitions leadership to the next generation. Niels Erik-Lund has handed over daily operations to his sons, Carsten and Christian Lund, marking a significant change in the company’s management. Carsten, now the chief commercial officer, expressed pride in continuing their father’s legacy which spans over 35 years.

The company’s focus this year centers on completing the final ship in the Infinity class, named the Douglas Mawson. Following its delivery in China, this ship will operate on a long-term charter with Aurora Expeditions.

In parallel, SunStone is gearing up to launch a new series of vessels, dubbed the Boundless class. These ships, approximately 20 meters longer than their predecessors, will accommodate between 200 to 300 passengers depending on the charterers’ needs. They will also feature enhanced green technology, capable of running on biofuels, ethanol, and methanol, alongside battery packs designed to minimize reliance on diesel.

Additional standout features of the Boundless class include a midship pool with a retractable roof and an enclosed garage to hold various equipment like zodiacs and jet skis. Carsten Lund emphasized that these designs enhance flexibility for warm-water and polar operators alike, paired with a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull.

Although a shipyard agreement was still pending as of April, Lund noted that price and the capacity to deliver ships on schedule are critical factors in their selection process. Established relationships with charterers, some lasting nearly 20 years, reinforce the importance of meeting delivery timelines.

The company is also broadening the types of clients it serves beyond just the expedition market. Recent sales include the Ocean Albatros to Alabatros Expeditions and the impending retirement of older ships like the Ocean Atlantic, which will be recycled, while the Ocean Adventurer is set for operation with G Adventures after refurbishment.

Despite a period of overcapacity stalling recovery in the expedition market post-Covid, Carsten Lund remains optimistic about future growth. With a substantial part of the fleet consisting of older vessels nearing retirement, he anticipates that demand for modern, purpose-built ships could soon eclipse supply.

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