Helsinki Shipyard Oy and Swan Hellenic entered in a contractual agreement for a new luxury expedition cruise vessel. This new contract in the global economic situation shadowed by COVID-19 is a strong signal of the continuity of Helsinki Shipyard’s operations and the customer’s confidence in the shipyard’s operations.
Swan Hellenic and Helsinki Shipyard Oy entered in a contractual agreement for building a third expedition cruise vessel. The third vessel to be delivered to Swan Hellenic, like the two vessels already in the orderbook, represent a new generation of expedition cruise vessels and is designed for the global cruise market, with an emphasis on high-latitude cruises.
The design for the new vessel has already started and the construction will begin in the summer of 2021. The vessel will be delivered to its customer at the end of 2022. The new vessel is larger than its predecessors and designed to sail to all continents.
“The new order is significant for Helsinki Shipyard, as it shows our customers’ confidence in our operations and is also a strong signal of the long-term nature of our operations,” says Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, the shipyard’s CEO, and continues: “In these times in the world, this is a very good signal, not only for Helsinki Shipyard but also for the Helsinki maritime industry and the whole country’s maritime cluster.”
In September, the keel of the first cruise vessel to be built for Swan Hellenic was laid at Helsinki Shipyard. Following the old traditions, the name of the newbuilding – SH Minerva- after the Roman goddess of creativity and wisdom was announced at the event.
The vessel ordered now will feature a 4,6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3-megawatt max. battery package and PC6 ice-strengthened hull. At 125 m LOA, the 12,000-GRT vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.
Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. The vessel will be operated by an onboard team of 140 to provide the highest levels of personal service.
“The procurement of the main equipment for the third vessel to be built for Swan Hellenic has already started on a fast schedule, as our main goal is to stick to the schedules agreed with the customer. This is a pleasant challenge for all of us”, says Ville Korpela, project manager for the new order.