Stefano Pastrovich, a designer and architect of recreational boats, has presented an innovative plan to convert PSVs (Platform Supply Vessels) into luxury cruise ships specifically for exploration. This plan enables small operators to easily enter the luxury cruise market at a lower cost than building a new ship.
Why Convert Tankers to Cruise Ships?
Pastrovich believes that converting tankers can create an attractive and sustainable business model for small operators. He points out that these operators can test the market with limited budgets and short delivery times, and then, if successful, turn to building a new ship. This process provides an opportunity to enter competitive markets without the need for massive financial resources.
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Pastrovich references the successful conversion of the research vessel Falkor for the Schmidt Ocean Institute in his designs, stating that the cost of building a new ship for this institute was very high. Therefore, he focused on designing the conversion of an existing ship that later functioned successfully as a research vessel.
Technical and Economic Details of the Plan
The plan to convert PSVs tankers into cruise ships began in 2015 with the decline of oil and gas activities. One Norwegian owner asked Pastrovich to propose an idea for two 88-meter tankers that had been left unused. He designed a cruise ship with a capacity for 30 guests, providing an experience similar to superyachts.
Considering that the cruise industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in shipping, Pastrovich believes that converting tankers can create a strong business model for small operators. He also notes that tankers, due to their high capacity, can easily be converted into cruise ships. In particular, the aft of PSVs is designed in such a way that there is suitable space for creating a new structure.
With the availability of resources and shorter delivery times, this plan allows small operators to enter the market with minimal risk and investment. Estimates suggest that delivery time will range from 14 to 20 months, which is economically very attractive.
Overall, Stefano Pastrovich's plan to convert tankers into cruise ships is not only an economical and quick solution but can also help increase competition in the luxury and exploratory cruise market. Despite the challenges, this plan could provide an opportunity for small operators to establish a presence in a growing market.
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