On Wednesday, October 21, Helsinki Shipyard and Swan Hellenic announced that the dynamic cultural expedition cruise line had entered into a contractual agreement with the shipyard for the order of a 3rd Vega Class expedition cruise ship.
Bigger than her sisterships and designed to sail to all continents, the 12.000 GT, 125-metre Vega 3 is due to be a 5-star polar PC6 ice-class ship. Accommodating 192 passengers in 96 staterooms and suites, the majority with balconies, the newbuild will be operated by a team of 140 to provide the highest level of personal service.
Featuring a 4.6 MW diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3-MW max battery package as well as an ice-strengthened hull, the ship will not only be able to reach the most inaccessible corners of the planet but will also do so under battery power in almost total silence and causing minimal disturbance to sensitive ecosystems.
The keel-laying of Vega 1 took place on schedule last month despite the challenges of the pandemic. During the ceremony, it was announced that the first Vega ship would be christened SH Minerva.
With the trio of Vega Class vessels scheduled for delivery in November 2021, April 2022, year-end 2022, Swan Hellenic demonstrates confidence in the strength of the high-end cruise market and its own vision of cultural expedition cruising.