SH Minerva Is the First Cruise Ship in the World to Receive DCA ESG Certification
For Swan Hellenic guests, luxury is not just about comfort but also about traveling with respect and awareness. Knowing that the ship has been independently assessed against recognized sustainability standards adds real value to the experience.
SH Minerva, the first of the three ships in our fleet, has earned the DCA ESG Certification from Dream&Charme, an internationally accredited certification body specializing in hospitality.
Why ESG Matters in Expedition Cruising
Expedition cruising takes travellers to some of the most delicate environments on Earth: polar regions, remote islands, and protected natural areas. In such places, every detail counts — from emissions and noise levels to how guests go ashore, how waste is managed, and how local communities are engaged.
That is why sustainability in expedition travel cannot remain just a promise. It requires independent verification.
What ESG means in practical terms
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These three pillars help evaluate how responsibly an organisation operates:
- •Environmental — covers fuel efficiency, emissions, wastewater treatment, waste management, anchoring practices, biosecurity, and protection of sensitive ecosystems.
- •Social — focuses on crew welfare, guest experience, respect for local communities, cultural sensitivity, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
- •Governance — ensures transparency, accountability, compliance, and robust operational procedures.
SH Minerva’s DCA ESG Certification
The certification audit was conducted during the Hiroshima to Otaru cruise in Japan (20–30 May). Dream&Charme has issued over 1,400 sustainability certifications across 19 countries and is accredited against ISO/IEC 17065 by ACCREDIA under the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
Previously, Dream&Charme made history by certifying “La Dolce Vita Orient Express” — the world’s first train to meet DCA ESG standards. Now, with SH Minerva, this benchmark extends to the open sea.
Key Features Supporting SH Minerva’s ESG Performance
Built at the Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, SH Minerva incorporates advanced technologies and thoughtful design:
- •Hull design optimised for reduced fuel consumption
- •Dedicated onboard laboratory for scientific research
- •State-of-the-art Zodiacs for safe landings in shallow and ice-prone waters
- •Strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of invasive species
- •Diesel-electric propulsion with advanced Tier III generators, SCR systems, and urea injection for low emissions
- •The dynamic positioning system eliminates the need for anchoring in sensitive areas
- •Reverse osmosis water production exceeding 10,000 litres per hour, reducing reliance on port supplies
- •Advanced wastewater treatment system meeting the highest standards (Baltic and Alaska)
What this means for guests
The DCA ESG Certification gives guests confidence that environmental care, social responsibility, and strong governance are integral to every voyage — not just marketing claims.
Giorgio Caire di Lauzet, CEO of Dream&Charme, said: “Awarding the DCA ESG Certification to SH Minerva highlights the rising importance of structured sustainability in expedition cruising. This certification isn’t just recognition — it’s a practical tool supporting continuous ESG improvement. SH Minerva sets a benchmark for the industry by turning sustainability intent into measurable action”.