Swan Hellenic celebrates the keel laying of SH Vega, the second of three purpose-built ice-class expedition cruise ships that the Helsinki Shipyard is building for the iconic pioneer of cultural expedition cruises.
The keel was laid in accordance with maritime tradition and current COVID-19 restrictions. The ceremony included the customary coin toss, with Helsinki Shipyard Project Director Jonas Packalén, Lloyd's Register representative Jukka Hujanen, and Helsinki Shipyard Chairman Victor Olersky performing the honors.
Named after the first vessel to navigate the Arctic's Northeast Passage, the sleek new SH Vega represents the next generation of polar expedition ships, designed for worldwide cruises with a strong focus on high-latitude regions. The SH Vega will feature a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, a battery pack, and a PC5 ice-strengthened hull. At 113 meters in length, the 10,500-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the world's most inaccessible and inspiring locations.
With 5-star accommodation and capacity for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, the SH Vega will be operated by a team of 120 people on board to provide the highest levels of personal service.
The SH Minerva, the first ship in the series, will be delivered in November 2021, while Vega will be delivered early the following year. The third ship, which will be somewhat larger than its sister ships, is scheduled for delivery a few months later, towards the end of 2022.
“The new Minerva and Vega ships are designed for extreme weather conditions, from the heavy ice of the polar regions to the heat and humidity of the tropics. And, naturally, they are designed to respect the sensitive ecosystems of the pristine regions they explore,” commented Project Director Jonas Packalén. Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito congratulated the Helsinki team for their outstanding support: “Meeting such a demanding schedule while maintaining the highest quality standards is a fantastic achievement. We are honored and excited to take Swan Hellenic into its next chapter with such fine ships and look forward to welcoming you aboard to see what others don’t.”.
