Dutch-based exploratory Polar cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions has ordered a 180-passenger, ice-strengthened ship Hondius at Croatia-based Brodosplit shipyard.

It will become the strongest ice-strengthened vessel in the Polar regions once delivered in the first half of 2019, according to Oceanwide.

Hondius will be the first vessel to be built to class "LR PC6", the latest and highest demands of Lloyd's Register for "Polar Class 6" ships.

The ship will measure 107 meters in length, with a breadth of 17.6 meters. It will be equipped with two main engines for a total of 4,200 kW.

The vessel will also be constructed in accordance with the latest requirements of the International Maritime Organization, in particular the safety of life at sea (SOLAS) and the prevention of pollution from ships (MARPOL) for passenger vessels.

The cruise ship was designed to support and serve Oceanwide's exploratory programs and activity-based shore excursions in the Arctic and Antarctica.