Motor repaired, SH Diana begins Antarctica cruise seasonMotor repaired, SH Diana begins Antarctica cruise season

Repairs were completed to one of SH Diana's electric propulsion motors and Swan Hellenic said the ship set off today on its first dedicated Antarctica cruise of the season.

This followed a recent malfunction that forced SH Diana to miss three days in Antarctica at the end of a three-week repositioning voyage from South Africa.

Wärtsilä-organized technical team

Swan Hellenic said the technical team organized by Wärtsilä, the maker of SH Diana’s propulsion system, together with the other technical specialists called out to assist in Ushuaia, completed the repair and all the related tests.

SH Diana sailed from Ushuaia early this morning local time, for a final series of sea trials and a 'minor adjustment' in the Beagle Channel before proceeding less than about 40 hours behind schedule.

Ample margin always built in

'Given the ample margin always built into the schedules of Swan Hellenic’s Antarctic cruises to allow for weather and other disruptions, the company is certain that this delay will not lead to reduction in the time scheduled for exploring the Antarctic Peninsula,' a statement said. 'SH Diana’s cruise guests will therefore be able to enjoy, weather conditions permitting' all their planned expeditions.'

The propulsion motor problem was detected while in South Georgia on the 12th day of SH Diana’s 20-night cruise from Cape Town, which embarked Nov. 13. Capt. Svein-Rune Stromnes curtailed the voyage to proceed immediately to the closest safe port, Ushuaia, was also the final destination.

Related:Antarctica dropped from SH Diana cruise due to technical fault

This led to tensions on board, including a hunger strike by a few passengers.

Repairs mobilized in short order

Spare parts were sourced and technicians mobilized in short order despite the logistical challenges of the remote location, enabling the repair work to start immediately when SH Diana docked Dec. 1.

According to Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito, special Ushuaia excursions and shipboard experiences were arranged for embarking passengers, adding: 'We now wish them exceptional explorations of the White Continent.'