VESSEL REVIEW | SH Vega – Polar expedition newbuild joins Swan Hellenic fleet

UK cruise operator Swan Hellenic recently took delivery of a new nine-deck, polar expedition ship built by Helsinki Shipyard in Finland.

SH Vega is the second ship in a series to be built for Swan Hellenic. The class’ lead ship, SH Minerva, was delivered by Helsinki Shipyard in December 2021.

The Lloyd’s Register-classed newbuild has a length of 113 metres, a beam of 20.2 metres, a maximum draught of 5.45 metres, 76 single cabins and suites housing 152 guests, and 73 cabins for the 120-strong crew. All suites have a separate living room and bedroom while all guest staterooms are outside-facing and equipped with spacious wardrobes and bathrooms.

A cruising speed of 14.5 knots and a range of 8,000 nautical miles – or a maximum of 40 days – can be achieved thanks to a total installed power of 4.6 MW courtesy of four medium-speed diesel-electric engines. The ship also incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with large stabilisers to ensure greater comfort during extended voyages.

The main engines are equipped with an exhaust gas cleaning system while the vessel itself boasts advanced cleaning and storage facilities for wastewater, waste, and waste oil required for operation in sensitive polar areas.

The vessel has also been provided with space for batteries that can use electric propeller motors to move at low speeds and silently. This will make it possible to proceed in waters in environmentally sensitive natural areas with minimal disturbance.

Onboard facilities include an expedition laboratory, a library for studying marine life, a gym, a spa with sauna, a restaurant, lounges, and a swimming pool with bars. There is also space for storing kayaks, hiking gear, and other expedition equipment for use by guests.

SH Vega sailed on its maiden operational voyage in July 2022. The ship departed Tromso, Norway, and completed an 11-day cruise through the Arctic, including stops in the Svalbard archipelago. Future itineraries will also include Western Europe, the Canary Islands, West Africa, and Antarctica.