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Swan Hellenic's SH Vega floated out at Helsinki Shipyard

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SH Vega's maiden voyage gets underway on May 29 from Leith, Edinburgh in Scotland
Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega was floated out from dry dock at Helsinki Shipyard today.

It is the second of Swan Hellenic's three next-generation expedition ships and the twin of SH Minerva, which was launched at the end of last year.

‘We are again delighted with the quality of Helsinki’s work,’ said Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. ‘Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, everyone at the shipyard has maintained an ambitious schedule to the very highest standards. It’s wonderful to see our vision come together so well.’

Simo Rastas, CEO, Helsinki Shipyard, added, ‘We are very proud of our contribution to everything she [SH Vega] represents.’

The vessel is scheduled to begin sailing in May.

Steelwork production for the line’s third slightly larger vessel, temporarily named Vega 3, began last summer. Commissioned from Helsinki, 50% of the blocks are currently at the yard. It is scheduled for delivery in early 2023.

Maiden voyage

SH Vega will be delivered to Swan Hellenic in May 2022. It will start its 11-day maiden cruise on May 29 sailing from Leith, Edinburgh in Scotland to the Faroe Islands and Iceland, docking in Reykjavík on June 8.

Features

The 113mtr, 10,500gt vessel features a 4.6MW diesel-electric hybrid-ready propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC5 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. On board it has an expedition laboratory, marine life library and observation lounge for lectures by expedition specialists. 

It also has a spa, sauna, gym, library, panoramic restaurant and club lounge serving food, as well as a pool deck with bar.

Expedition day trips by zodiac are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities.