The state-of-the-art expedition cruise ship that marked the rebirth of Swan Hellenic returns for a season in Antarctica followed by its first season in Asia-Pacific, expanding the possibilities of discovery for this company.
The SH Minerva has officially rejoined the Swan Hellenic fleet. Following routine maintenance and preparations to Swan Hellenic's high standards, the ship will set sail in November to join its sister ships SH Vega and SH Diana in Ushuaia, where it will begin the 2025–2026 Antarctic winter season.
Then, in March 2026, Swan Hellenic will launch its first Asia-Pacific season, taking its award-winning cultural expedition cruises to new horizons and expanding discovery opportunities for its adventurous passengers around the world.
The new in-depth explorations of the Asia-Pacific region include destinations such as the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, offering unforgettable experiences ranging from primitive art, ancestral rituals and anthropology, to World War II historical sites, wildlife, snorkeling and water sports.
“We are delighted to welcome back our flagship, the SH Minerva,” said Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic. “A symbol of Swan Hellenic’s rebirth, its inaugural season in Asia-Pacific will allow us to fly our flag around the world, reaching every ocean and continent. This is a moment of great pride for us.”
The innovative expedition ship SH Minerva was built at the Helsinki Shipyard OY in late 2021 and leased to Swan Hellenic by Irish owner STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd.
STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd's parent company, GTLK Europe DAC, was sanctioned by the EU, the US, and the UK between April and August 2022 due to the designation of the Russian leasing company PAO GTLK, which was its parent company. As a result, the SH Minerva remained inactive in Fray Bentos, Uruguay, from April 2022. In May 2023, GTLK Europe DAC entered liquidation. Joint liquidators were appointed by the High Court of Ireland, and PAO GTLK lost control of GTLK Europe DAC and all its subsidiaries, including STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd. The joint liquidators, now in charge, ensured that the sale of GTLK Europe DAC's assets (including the SH Minerva) complied with all applicable sanctions.
Following extensive negotiations with the joint liquidators, Swan Hellenic finally reacquired the SH Minerva from STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd on July 25, 2025, using shareholder funds and in compliance with all applicable sanctions.
The return of the SH Minerva marks an exciting new chapter for Swan Hellenic, now with a fleet of three ships taking passengers on truly immersive discovery experiences to the most remote destinations on the planet, sailing elegantly to “see what others do not see”.
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