Aurora Expeditions confirms the successful completion of sea trials for its new expedition-specific vessel, the Douglas Mawson. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, the ship is the latest addition to the Aurora fleet and will soon begin its highly anticipated maiden voyages.
The tests were carried out from June 26 to July 2, 2025, a critical phase within the construction and delivery schedule, in which the ship's main systems were evaluated, including propulsion, navigation and safety, confirming its readiness to explore some of the most remote and challenging environments on the planet.
The Douglas Mawson is scheduled for delivery in September 2025, ahead of its maiden voyage in December. The ship will begin by sailing along Tasmania's rugged coast as part of its sea trials, followed by its inaugural Antarctic season with the "Mawson's Antarctica" itinerary, retracing the steps of the explorer for whom it is named. From there, it will continue with the full 2025/26 Antarctic season, including the exclusive and rarely offered "Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Seventh Continent" itinerary.
With a maximum capacity of 130 passengers on polar expeditions and 154 passengers for smaller cruises, the Douglas Mawson offers an intimate and welcoming experience, with modern and elegant facilities. Onboard features include a conference theater, science center, heated outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and areas specifically designed for expedition activities. Built specifically for low-impact exploration, the ship will also support Aurora's expanding sustainability and citizen science programs.
The Douglas Mawson will join the company's fleet of small expedition ships, all specifically designed to access remote and wild coastlines, offering an exceptional onboard experience and expertly guided exploration. In addition to polar regions, Aurora's ships also explore culturally rich and breathtaking areas of the world, including the Mediterranean, Scotland, Ireland, and Latin America, among others, providing immersive adventures far from mass tourism.
“Sea trials are one of the most important steps in the birth of a ship,” said Michael Heath, CEO of Aurora Expeditions. “We are thrilled with the results and eager to welcome our expedition members aboard the Douglas Mawson for its maiden voyages later this year.”
The Douglas Mawson is the seventh and final Infinity-class vessel built by SunStone Maritime Group, and the third in the Aurora fleet. It features the distinctive Ulstein X-BOW® bow and a host of sustainable features designed for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact, representing the pinnacle of responsible ship design.
Aurora Expeditions also operates two other Infinity-class vessels: the Greg Mortimer, built in 2019, and the Sylvia Earle, launched in 2022.
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