Swan Hellenic, the Nicosia based expedition cruise line, said  that the hull sections and deck modules of its first vessel, SH Minerva, had all been completed ahead of schedule.

It is the first of two 10,500 gross ton ships the cop[any has an order at Helsinki Shipyard in Finland. A third ship, of 12,500 gross tons, is also due to join the line from the same builder.

“Now that the structure is complete, the cabins are already taking shape, as also revealed online today, showing the Scandi-chic comfort, rich natural materials and spacious open perspectives out to sea of the elegant designs by Tillberg of Sweden,” the company said in a statement.

The new ship represents the next generation of polar expedition vessels, designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. 

SH Minerva is being fitted with a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, ready to receive 3-megawatt max. battery package and PC5 ice-strengthened hull and with Safe Return to Port notation.

Esko Karvonen, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Inc. remarked: “We are very proud of the smooth progress made on SH Minerva, helped by its outstanding design. It is an inspiring journey to work on the remarkable first three vessels for the iconic Swan Hellenic and we are sure the guests who explore the world aboard them will also feel that.”