SH Minerva Floated Out of Dry Dock in Helsinki

SWAN HELLENIC: PRESS-RELEASE (24th June 2021)

Swan Hellenic’s first bespoke expedition cruise ship SH Minerva floated out

Helsinki Shipyard floats out first of three next-generation ships under construction for cultural expedition cruise pioneer

Nicosia, Cyprus: Yesterday, Wednesday the 23rd of June 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that Helsinki Shipyard had floated SH Minerva out of dry dock. Her twin ship, SH Vega, was floated in dry dock on the same day. Moreover, a few days earlier, steelwork production started for the third and largest vessel commissioned from Helsinki, which currently has the project name Vega 3. The Swan Hellenic fleet is thus coming together on schedule to take adventurous and discerning voyagers on a wide range of distinctive cruises, some already entirely sold out.

All three ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards, while also being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port as well as wildlife and marine reserves.

SH Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. At 115 m, the 10,500 GRT vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.

Providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva will be operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service, priding itself on one of the highest GRT-to-passenger ratios in its category. The very latest hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with HEPA filters and UV sanitisation systems.

Designed for immersive experiences from extensive open views, SH Minerva features an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expert expedition leaders and specialists from a wide range of disciplines. Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities. The on-board amenities include a gym, spa, sauna, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving world-class cuisine, as well as a pool deck with bar.

SH Minerva will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in October 2021, SH Vega in Spring 2022 and the third ship, temporarily named Vega 3, in Autumn 2022.

Esko Karvonen
CEO of Helsinki Shipyard, commented

“SH Minerva is very much a next-generation expedition ship and we are very proud of our contribution to everything she represents. The construction of her ice-strengthened hull, for example, benefits from Helsinki Shipyard's solid experience in building ice class vessels."

Andrea Zito
CEO of Swan Hellenic, added

“We are delighted with the quality of Helsinki’s work. It’s wonderful to see our vision realised so well. We know guests will be wowed from the moment they step aboard, but even more so after they become familiar with the unique lifestyle experience.”

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising 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, and numbering 120 and 140 respectively almost equals the number of guests, reflecting the high levels of attentive personal service provided.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf and Monaco, together with a branch office in Hong Kong (serving mainland China, Taiwan and South-East Asia), as well as partnerships serving India, Japan and Australia-New Zealand, Scandinavia and Iceland, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.