Swan Hellenic lays keel for new ice-class expedition ship SH Minerva

The keel has been laid for the first of Swan Hellenic ‘s two new ice-class expedition ships, SH Minerva.

The keel-laying ceremony took place in Helsinki, Finland, and saw the first 347-ton block of the ship – newly arrived from Klaipeda, where it had been outfitted and painted – being set on the keel. The block was set on the keel over coins to bring good luck, a time-honoured maritime tradition.

In another nod to maritime tradition, Swan Hellenic announced that the ship would be named SM Minerva, in honour of the company’s first purpose-built vessel. It is named after the Roman goddess of creativity and wisdom.

swan hellenic ms minerva — A 3D render of the new ship

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito announced there would be no more fitting way to bring the brand back than with a nostalgic name.

The keel-laying ceremony took place at Helsinki Shipyard Inc in the presence of CEO Carl-Gustasf Rotkirch and project manager Jonas Packalén, together with Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. Parties participated in the ceremony via video link, due to the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Marking Swan Hellenic’s return to the sea, the elegant new SH Minerva will lead the next generation of expedition vessels, specially designed with high-altitude areas in mind.

The ship will feature a 4,6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, three-megawatt max. battery package and PC5 ice-strengthened hull.

At 113 m, the 10,500-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore some of the most remote and inaccessible areas in the world.

Despite being built for expedition sailings, the ship will have spacious five-star surroundings and accommodate 152 guests in 76 cabins and suites – most with balconies. A team of 120 crew will complement.

Project manager Jonas Packalén said: “New build 516 and her sister NB 517 are designed for extreme weather conditions, from polar areas with quite heavy ice conditions to tropical regions. And they are naturally designed to respect the sensitive ecosystems of the regions where they’re going to sail.”

Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Inc added: “We are very happy to have been able to invite our workers back, engaging them in this exciting project. Now we can do what we know best – designing and building ships with a great history behind them and an even greater future ahead. These vessels for the iconic Swan Hellenic are inspiring us, and I hope the customer feels that.”

Congratulating the Helsinki Shipyard team, Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito concluded: “We’re excited and honoured to take Swan Hellenic into this next chapter and look forward to meeting you on board when we head to Antarctica in November 2021.

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