On March 17, Swan Hellenic announced that the deck modules and hull sections of its first ship, the purpose-designed cultural expedition ship SH Minerva, had all been finished in advance of the line's schedule.
The company released a time-lapse video of the Helsinki Shipyard's work that shows the vessel assuming her final form. Now that the structure is finished, the staterooms are already taking shape, showing rich natural materials, Scandi-chic comfort, and spacious open perspectives out to sea of the designs by Tillberg of Sweden.
The newbuild represents the next generation of polar expedition vessels, designed for worldwide sailing with a focus on high-latitude areas. SH Minerva is fitted with a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, which is ready to receive 3-megawatt max. battery package as well as PC5 ice-strengthened hull and Safe Return to Port notation. At 113 metres, the 10,500 GT ship has been specially designed to explore the most inaccessible spots in the world.
Providing spacious 5-star accommodations for 152 passengers in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies, Swan Hellenic's Minerva will be operated by a team of 120 crew to provide the highest levels of personal service.