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The past few weeks in Gothenburg have been busy mainly with the engineering of technical systems such as ventilation, water makers, stabilizers, sprinkler system, and the ice strengthening of the hull. Also, research has been done and decisions have been made on certain equipment, and the purchase of the long lead time items has begun. Things like the sonar, the life boats, watertight doors, and the wastewater treatment system. Perhaps not the most exciting things to report on, but all essential to creating the underpinnings of a safe, reliable and comfortable expedition vessel.

Meanwhile progress continues on the layout and design phase of project. The layout of the cabins has been finalized, but there’s still some minor tweaking to be done of the layouts of the public areas and the galley. Later this week Sven Lindblad and Kris Thompson will be traveling back to Gothenburg to meet with the designers for final decisions on some of the materials to be used – everything from lighting and wall treatments for the cabins, lounge, and dining room to the mirrors and tiles for bathrooms. Hopefully very soon we’ll have some visuals to share with you.

Since taking delivery of the ship most of the energy has been devoted to the engineering and design phases of the program, and the writing of detailed specifications for the work ahead. At the same time certain equipment has been purchased, materials selected and a myriad of details decided. Looking at the vessel right now there’s not a lot that’s obvious to the eye for all of the work that has gone on to this point, but that will be quickly changing in the weeks just ahead as all this preparation begins to be manifested in the conversion of National Geographic Explorer.

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