The keel of Crystal Endeavor, the world's largest polar-class expedition yacht, was laid in MV Werften Stralsund shipyard on August 21.

The yacht features 20,000 gross tons with just 200 guests.

"We are pleased that after two years of design, we are now able to celebrate the keel laying of the Crystal Endeavor, the most valuable ship to be built at the Stralsund shipyard so far," Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Genting Hong Kong's Executive Chairman, CEO, said.

The first steel cut for Crystal Endeavor took place in January. The delivery is set for the end of 2019 or early 2020 for a series of charters and Crystal Endeavor's inaugural season will kick off after the Tokyo Olympics in August 2020.

"The construction of this sophisticated ship is progressing as planned," said Peter Fetten, CEO of MV Werften.

"Around 500 employees will be involved in the construction of Crystal Endeavor at the Stralsund site. In addition, around 500 skilled subcontractors will be brought in from outside of the company – creating sustainable value for the region."