Swan Hellenic receives Minerva editorial – Cruise Industry News
Helsinki Shipyard has delivered Minerva, the first of the three Vega-class vessels under construction to Swan Hellenic. On December 3, Minerva left Helsinki for Ushuaia, where the ship will soon begin operations.
According to a press release, Minerva headed for marine testing shortly after the naming ceremony on November 23rd. The tests showed that the polar excursion vessel is in accordance with the agreement with the customer and meets the international criteria, which are e.g. inspected and approved by the classification society.
“The marine tests went according to plan and were completed on a demanding schedule,” said Helsinki Shipyard. “The performance and quality of the vessel were found to be good and in accordance with the agreed dimensions.”
Installation and commissioning work continued at the shipyard’s quay and delivery readiness was achieved on Friday 3 December. The project has not been “easy,” Helsinki Shipyard said, due to the pandemic and related logistical challenges.
“Despite these obstacles, the ship has only been completed 26 months after the contract was signed, which is a significant achievement. The stylish new vessel sailed through the Kiel Canal on December 6, ”the dock wrote.
The new purpose-built vessel is the first in a series of three “next-generation” pole-and-line vessels, all designed for a global cruise with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. The Minerva features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC5 ice-reinforced chassis with extra-large stabilizers for exceptional passenger comfort. The 113-meter-long 10,500-ton ship is specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.
Minervaa offers accommodation for 152 people in 76 spacious cottages and suites, most of which have large balconies.
“Today we all celebrate SH Minerva’s delivery to the customer. This is a proud day for all of us. The ship is even more beautiful and stylish than we dared hope! We wish calm winds and the following sea to Minerva and her crew. Special thanks to all those involved in the project for their uncompromising approach and great perseverance at the end of the project! ”Comments Jonas Packalén, Project Manager for the new building.
Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic, added: “I too would like to congratulate all the people of Helsinki on their great work in creating this wonderful new ship. We are delighted with the quality of their work, highlighted by the excellent performance Minerva has achieved in its marine trials. As Swan Hellenic now has a unique presence on the waves, we look forward to visiting to see what others don’t see in Antarctica in exceptional comfort and style.
Minerva is followed by her sister ship SH Vega and another slightly larger new building, both of which are already under construction at the Helsinki shipyard.