Page 21: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (October 2025)

CARSTEN LUND, SUNSTONE MARITIME GROUP

Image courtesy Sunstone could deliver by fall 2028, followed by remains unchanged. “We’re proud of what and keep building vessels that can oper- additional units at six-month intervals. has been built and want to honor that lega- ate “anywhere in the world.” cy. The tools may evolve, the markets may As Carsten re? ects on the journey so

Expanding Horizons: expand, but the core values stay the same.” far, the excitement is palpable. “It’s been

Beyond Polar Expeditions an honor to take on this responsibility,” he

SunStone’s ? eet is designed for global says. “We’re building for the long term—Looking Ahead deployment, from the icy extremes of With the In? nity-class nearly com- ships that will sail for decades, and rela-

Antarctica to the sun-drenched ports of the plete and the Boundless-class on the tionships that will last just as long.”

Mediterranean. While expedition cruising horizon, SunStone Maritime Group is For SunStone, the voyage continues— has traditionally been centered in polar re- entering a new growth phase under its anchored by family heritage, steered by gions, Carsten sees new opportunities. next-generation leadership. The strategy a new generation, and propelled by a “We’ve seen an increase in interest from is clear: maintain focus on expedition ? eet purpose-built for the future of ex- warm-water operators,” he says. “There’s cruise ships, expand into new markets, pedition cruising.

strong demand for small ships that can ac- cess ports the large cruise liners cannot.”

Hotel operators are also eyeing the sector, seeking to create intimate, up- scale cruise products in Europe and other regions. The adaptability of Sun-

Stone’s designs — expedition-capable but equally suitable for warm-water destinations — positions the company to tap into these emerging markets.

If there is one theme that de? nes Sun-

Stone’s leadership transition, it is conti- nuity. Carsten is quick to credit his fa- ther’s guiding principles, which remain central to the company’s identity: long- term thinking, relationship-building, and steady growth.

“Our father always taught us to play the long game,” Carsten says. “This isn’t about making a quick pro? t. It’s about building relationships that last decades and ships that will sail for 40 years or more.”

While generational shifts inevitably bring new ideas and approaches, Carsten emphasizes that the company’s direction www.marinelink.com 21

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