February 11, 2021 marked the keel laying of “SH Vega”, the second of three specially designed PC-5 ice class expedition cruise ships, Swan Hellenic announced in a press release. The ceremony took place at Helsinki Shipyard, which is building three expedition cruise ships for Swan Hellenic. The keel was laid in accordance with seafaring tradition and current COVID-19 restrictions, immediately receiving the outfitted and painted block 302 which had arrived at the shipyard last weekend. The ambitious schedule for the construction of three ships at the Helsinki shipyard remains on track.
The newbuilding was named after the first ship to sail the Arctic Northeast Passage. The elegant new ship of Swan Hellenic represents the next generation of polar expedition vessels, having been designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. SH Vega will feature a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3-megawatt max. battery package and PC5 ice-strengthened hull. At 113 m, the 10,500-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inaccessible and inspiring places in the world.
Providing uncompromising 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Vega will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service.
SH Minerva, the first ship in the series, will be delivered in November 2021. The second ship of Swan Hellenic, the “SH Vega” is expected at the beginning of the following year. The third vessel, which will be somewhat larger than her sisters, is scheduled for delivery just months later, towards the end of 2022.
“New builds Minerva and Vega are designed for extreme weather conditions, from the heavy ice of the polar regions to the heat and humidity of the tropics. And they’re naturally designed to respect the sensitive ecosystems of the unspoilt regions they explore,” commented Project Manager Jonas Packalén.
Swan HellenicCEO Andrea Zito congratulated the Helsinki team on their outstanding support: “Delivering to such a demanding schedule while maintaining the highest quality standards is a fantastic achievement. We’re honoured and thrilled to take Swan Hellenic into its next chapter with such fine ships and look forward to welcoming you on board to see what others don’t!”
About Swan Hellenic
The Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising that the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’. Two new 5-star polar PC 5 ice-class expedition cruise ships arriving in November 2021 and April 2022 will each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies. A larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites in the same distinctive comfort and style as its sister ships will be arriving year-end 2022. All three new ships are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements.
Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.
Its ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. The crew includes an expedition team comprising expert guides, speakers and lecturers. The crew numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.
Headquarters of Swan Hellenicis in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong. In recent months, partnerships have been established in India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, providing Swan Hellenic and its customers worldwide with a close personal service.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
