On February 10, 2022, Helsinki Shipyard floated Swan Hellenic's SH Vega out of dry dock.
SH Vega is the sistership of SH Minerva, launched at the end of 2021 and now exploring Antarctica.
Steelwork production for the 3rd slightly bigger ship commissioned from Helsinki started in Summer 2021, and ~50% of the blocks are ready at the yard.
All 3 ships are designed for minimal environmental impact and comply with the latest emission standards while being battery-ready for future emission-free silent sailing in port, wildlife and marine reserves. Swan Hellenic's Vega cruise ship represents the next generation of polar expedition ships, designed for worldwide sailing with a focus on high-latitude areas.
Swan Hellenic's SH Vega features a PC5 class (ice-strengthened) hull, 4,6 MW diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3 MW max battery package, max cruising speed 16 knots, draught 5,7 m (19 ft), LOA length 115 m, GT tonnage 10500 tons. The boat's interior spaces and venues are designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden (Hoganas-based company that designs interiors for smaller-sized/luxury cruise ships, hotels, and restaurants).
Commonly to most small-sized expedition cruise ships, SH Vega has an aft Marina Deck that serves the launching of Zodiacs (large-capacity inflatable speedboats used for landings and coastal cruising), Pool Deck/Sundeck with an aft-located Infinity Pool (heated swimming pool), and Pool Bar, indoor Bar Lounge, Lecture Hall (used for Cruise Director's port talks, itinerary-themed lectures and media presentations), Swan Restaurant (full capacity MDR-Main Dining Room aft on Deck 4). The wellness complex (on Deck 8) consists of rooms for Spa massages, Gym, and Sauna Room (all with floor-ceiling windows) plus a large outdoor whirlpool/Jacuzzi with a sunbathing area. Forward on Deck 8 (bow-located) is the Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse) and the Captain's Suite and officers' quarters.
The cruise ship has all 9 decks (2 service/crew-only, 7 passenger-accessible, 3 with cabins) all of which are interconnected via 2x elevators (midship Lifts) and stairs (forward-midship-aft).
SH Vega is due to be delivered to Swan Hellenic in May 2022. Departing on an 11-day maiden voyage on May 29, she will sail out of Leith-Edinburgh (Newhaven-Rosyth, Scotland) to explore the Faroes and Iceland, docking in Reykjavik on June 8.
The 3rd ship in the fleet of Swan Hellenic, temporarily named Vega 3, is scheduled for delivery in early 2023.