Quark Expeditions will soon be able to call itself a shipowner.

The Andrew White-led charterer of expedition vessels has ordered a 200-passenger polar expedition newbuild from Croatian shipyard Brodosplit. Delivery is set for 2020, the company said.

"More people are interested in exploring the polar regions than ever before, and this new ship will allow Quark Expeditions to keep up with the increased demand," Quark said.