The keel-laying ceremony for the first of Swan Hellenic's two new polar expedition cruise ships took place in Helsinki. The ship's first 347-ton block—freshly arrived from Klaipeda, where it had been outfitted and painted—was placed on the keel, along with coins for good luck, in accordance with ancient maritime custom.
Demonstrating once again its respect for tradition, Swan Hellenic announced during the ceremony that the ship would be christened SH Minerva in honor of the first vessel purpose-built by the company, named after the Roman goddess of creativity and wisdom. Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito stated that there could be no more fitting way for the company to bring Swan Hellenic's pioneering spirit back to the waves.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Helsinki Shipyard Inc. CEO Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch and Project Director Jonas Packalén, along with Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito, who participated virtually due to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sleek new vessel represents the next generation of polar expedition ships. The SH Minerva will feature a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and a reinforced PC5 hull, specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.
Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva will be operated by a team of 120 people on board to provide the highest levels of service to passengers.
Commenting on the special challenges of these innovative ships, project director Jonas Packalén explained: “The new vessel and its sister ship are designed to navigate in extreme weather conditions, from polar regions to tropical areas. They are also designed to respect the sensitive ecosystems of the regions where they will sail.”.
Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Inc., commented: “We are delighted to have been able to resume construction on this exciting project. Now we can do what we do best: design and build ships with a great story behind them and an even greater future ahead. These ships for Swan Hellenic inspire us, and I hope the client feels it too.”.
Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito congratulated the assembled team on successfully completing an ambitious program, thanking the teams at Helsinki Shipyard, Robert McFarland, Tillberg Design, and VShips for their support. “We are excited and honored to take Swan Hellenic into this next chapter and look forward to meeting you on board when we set sail for Antarctica in November 2021,” he concluded.
