Swan Hellenic's SH Minerva embarks on maiden voyage

Delivered by Helsinki Shipyard Dec. 3, the vessel embarked from Ushuaia, Argentina, on Dec. 30 for the nine-day exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

Officers and expedition team

SH Minerva is commanded by Capt. Tuomo Leskinen while Hotel Director Philipp Reutener heads guest operations. The expedition team includes expedition leader Pablo Brandeman, polar expert Steve Blamires and renowned ornithologist Andy Bunten.

Executive Chef Jörg Lehmann is presenting varied menus that include original Italian and Asian fusion dishes, created in partnership with consultant chefs Andrea Ribaldone and Sang Keun Oh. SH Minerva offers three dining venues, the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool Bar & Grill.

A corner of the Observation Lounge, left, and an ocean-view stateroom

The ship's Scandinavian-style interiors are by Tillberg Design of Sweden.

The 113-meter/371-foot SH Minerva measures 10,600 gross tons and has capacity for 152 passengers served by a crew of 120.

Technical features

Powered by a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, the ship has a Polar Class 5 ice-strengthened hull with extra-large stabilizers. It is equipped with an exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubbers), advanced wastewater treatment system and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas.

SH Minerva is designed to be self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles, enabling remote expeditions.

Lloyd's Register is the classification society.

Sister ship SH Vega is scheduled for delivery in April, with a larger, Polar Class 6 vessel accommodating 192 passengers to arrive at year-end 2022.