Silversea Cruises has successfully conducted the remotely-operated sea trial of its latest luxury ship, Silver Origin off the Netherlands despite the challenges of the global lockdown.

Silver Origin is scheduled to offer luxury cruising in the Galapagos for 100 passengers in an all-suite accommodation with butler service, hopefully later this year.

In a world-first, the line managed to test Silver Origin’s “dynamic positioning” without dropping anchor which was remotely tuned and calibrated by a third party in St Petersburg, Russia, about 1800 km away.

“This was the first time such an operation has been completed remotely during a sea trial,” says Fre Drenth, director of De Hoop Shipyard in the Netherlands.

“The tuning was successful and took no longer than usual. It demonstrates that it is possible to tune dynamic positioning systems remotely. It could potentially save a lot of travelling time for engineers in the future.”

Silversea’s president and CEO Roberto Martinoli praised De Hoop shipyard for its professionalism in completing the ship and conducting the sea trial.

“In the face of such adversity, their efforts were extraordinary and represent the resilience of European industry. Silver Origin looks magnificent. Our pioneering new ship represents the dawning of a new age of travel in the Galapagos Islands and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard when the time is right,” says Mr Martinoli.

De Hoop Shipyard fundamentally changed the way it operated to complete the building of Silver Origin. With strict social distancing, the ship’s 200 employees were accommodated on site, underwent daily temperature checks and enhanced cleaning procedures to complete the project.

Silversea is expected to take delivery of Silver Origin in “coming weeks.”

The ship will have two restaurants with Ecuadorian inspired cuisine, a fire-pit in the Explorer Lounge, an interactive basecamp and eight zodiacs. She will also be plastic-free with each guest supplied with a metallic reusable bottle.

Prices of a seven-day itinerary on Silver Origin from Baltra to San Cristobal and vice versa start from $16,500 per person with free economy flights.

For more information of its scheduled voyages, visit https://www.silversea.com/ships/silver-origin.html