The Western Spirit conversion concept unveiled

Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) has unveiled plans to convert the 78 metre ice-class seismological vessel Western Spirit into a luxury expedition yacht.

The 3,586 GT gross tonnage vessel was built in 1993 at Ulstein Shipyards in Norway and was previously known as Eastern Spirit. She has 36 cabins to accommodate 56 people and a two-bed hospital, a landing pad and a hangar for two helicopters. In terms of  performance, Western Spirit is powered by twin Ulstein Bergen engines, allowing her to reach a top speed of 14 knots.

«A lot of the yacht industry is about aesthetics; nice compound curves, stainless steel, and glass areas”, expedition yacht designer Captain Grant Maughan explained. “Some of it is only useful in a benign environment with good weather. The vessels I prefer to design are more hardy for long distance voyages and operating in areas like the Arctic or Antarctic.»

Founded in 1960 as Edison Chouest Boat Rental in Galliano, Louisiana, Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) is a major provider of marine transport solutions. ECO manages a fleet of more than 200 vessels ranging from 87 to more than 525 feet in length. Some of its former commercial vessels have started new lives as expedition yachts or support vessels. Western Spirit will now follow in their footsteps.