NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lindblad
Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIND; "Lindblad", the "Company"), the global
leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences,
today announced that it has signed definitive agreements with
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders ("Nichols Brothers") for the new
build of two U.S. flagged coastal vessels. They will be U.S.
built at their shipyard on Whidbey Island in Washington State. The first completed ship is
scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2017 and the
second vessel is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of
2018. The new 100-guest ships were developed with decades of
experience of captains, expedition leaders, engineers and
designers.
"These new ships mark an exciting step in the long-term growth
of the company, and enables us to capitalize on the substantial
demand for our expeditions. With our significant resources we
can continue to deliver on our promise of expedition travel at its
best, and can now expand our unique offerings in the Americas where
we have very strong demand," said Sven
Lindblad, President and CEO of Lindblad.
"We are pleased to be working with Nichols Brothers in
Washington State on this project
given their long history in ship building, including having built
our current U.S. flagged ships, the National Geographic Sea
Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird."
"This is an important milestone in the company's history as we
enter the 50th Anniversary of the birth of expedition travel begun
by my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad,
with the first laymen expedition to Antarctica in 1966," added Lindblad.
Some key features of the new vessels:
- 50 cabins: 22 with balconies, and eight that can be configured
into four adjoining cabins for families.
- As the primary focus is the world outside, all public spaces
are designed for maximum viewing with easy, quick access to decks
for inevitable announcements from the bridge of a phenomenal
sighting.
- An outdoor walkway around the entire sun deck, which will
feature an al fresco bar and grill, in addition to the restaurant
and a lounge with bar and facilities for presentations.
- A fleet of sea kayaks, paddle boards, and specially designed
landing craft - all of which are geared to get guests out and into
the wild, remote places being explored.
- A fully equipped fitness room and a Wellness spa.
- State-of-the-art expedition technology, including a remotely
operated vehicle (ROV), video microscope, and a hydrophone and
bow-cam designed for immediate bow deployment to hear and film, for
instance, humpback whale vocalizations and see bow-riding
dolphins.
- Full warm and cold water diving gear and underwater cameras for
the Undersea Specialist to bring back rare imagery of the undersea
world.
- State-of-the-art A/V system for the highest quality
presentations, including National Geographic photography
instruction.
Lindblad had previously signed a non-binding letter of intent
with Nichols Brothers for these new builds and paid a $4 million non-refundable slot fee during the
third quarter of this year to reserve the shipyard's capacity,
which will be charged against the second vessel's cost. The
definitive agreements provide for Nichols Brothers to construct the
two new build vessels at a purchase price of $48.0 million and $46.8
million, respectively, payable monthly based on the value of
the work performed (offset by the $4.0
million slot fee previously paid). Jensen Maritime is
serving as the naval architect on the project with interior design
work provided by Tillberg Design International. Building of the
vessels will commence this year.
About Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. is an expedition travel
company that works in partnership with National Geographic to
inspire people to explore and care about the planet. The
organizations work in tandem to produce innovative marine
expedition programs and to promote conservation and sustainable
tourism around the world. The partnership's educationally oriented
voyages allow guests to interact with and learn from leading
scientists, naturalists and researchers while discovering stunning
natural environments, above and below the sea, through
state-of-the-art exploration tools.
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders is a complete new-build shipyard
and full-service repair facility with over 50 years of experience,
located in Freeland, Washington.
Nichols Brothers specializes in steel and aluminum vessel
construction, repair and major conversions. The Nichols Brothers
shipyard is capable of complete vessel construction from production
engineering to turn-key delivery, with full service production
departments to include: Ship Fitting, Production Welding, Pipe
Systems, Electrical, Joinery, Machine, Paint and HVAC, Operators,
and production support. Nichols Brothers vessel construction
portfolio demonstrates the shipyard's dedication to quality
craftsmanship, vessel performance, and passion for
boatbuilding.
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SOURCE Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.