Aurora Expeditions will launch a second purpose-built expedition ship in 2021.

The ship, which will be named shortly, will be a sister to Greg Mortimer, which sets sail in October 2019.

It will use the same Ulstein X-BOW technology – an inverted bow concept that allows for gentler sea crossings and reduced emissions.

Aurora Expeditions MD Robert Halfpenny said: “Sales for our polar voyages have been phenomenal, with a virtually sold out upcoming Antarctic 2019/20 season.

“In excess of 60 per cent of the inventory has already been sold for Antarctica 2020/21 and with the second ship, we are now able to ensure that the demand for places is met without causing disappointment to those who have not been able to join us during Greg Mortimer’s inaugural season.”

The second ship – to be built by Miami-based shipyard SunStone – will launch out of Ushuaia in autumn 2021 before heading south for the 2021/22 Antarctic season.