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Fincantieri launches Viking Mira in Ancona

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 July 2025 31 July 2025

The Viking Mira, a new cruise ship under construction for Viking, was launched today at the Ancona shipyard. The ship is scheduled to debut in spring 2026, offering itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

The ceremony, which marks the ship’s transition to the final outfitting phase, was attended by Gilberto Tobaldi, Director of the Ancona Shipyard, and Gastone Lazzari, New Building Site Team Manager for Viking.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons, Viking Mira will feature 499 staterooms and accommodate up to 998 passengers on board. The vessel belongs to the small cruise ship segment and is part of the Viking ocean fleet, entirely built by Fincantieri.

The long-standing relationship between the shipowner and the Group currently includes a total of 28 ships, taking into account the units already delivered, those on order, signed contracts, and recently secured option agreements.

All Viking units are built in accordance with the latest international regulations on navigation and safety and are equipped with high-efficiency engines and advanced exhaust gas treatment systems, designed to meet the most stringent environmental standards.

The Ancona shipyard confirms its position as one of the most strategic production hubs of the Group. Covering an area of 360,000 m², it boasts a production capacity of 60,000 GT, lifting systems of up to 500 tons, and hull construction capabilities of 1,200 tons per month. Since 2009, 20 vessels have already been delivered, thanks to the daily commitment of approximately 3,700 workers from various nationalities, backgrounds, and generations, united by a shared and tangible industrial goal. In line with innovation, the shipyard plays an active role in the Operations Excellence program, which entails the introduction of advanced technologies, robotics, and AI to increase efficiency and improve work quality.

SH Minerva is back in the Swan Hellenic fleet

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 July 2025 30 July 2025

SH Minerva is now back in the Swan Hellenic fleet. Following routine maintenance and preparations to Swan Hellenic’s usual high standards, it will set sail in November to join her sister ships SH Vega and SH Diana in Ushuaia, where it will begin the 2025–2026 Antarctic winter season.

Then, in March 2026, the SH Minerva will launch Swan Hellenic’s first ever Asia-Pacific Season, taking its award-winning cultural expedition cruises to new horizons that expand its adventurous guests’ discovery opportunities worldwide.

The new in-depth explorations of the Asia-Pacific region include the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, offering experiences that range from primitive art, ancient rituals and anthropology to historical WWII sites, wildlife, snorkeling and watersports adventures.

“We’re delighted to welcome back our flagship SH Minerva,” says Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito “A symbol of Swan Hellenic’s rebirth, her inaugural Asia-Pacific Season will take us to fly our flag across the globe, reaching every ocean and continent. It’s a moment of immense pride for us.”

The cutting-edge expedition ship SH Minerva was built in Helsinki Shipyard OY at the end of 2021 and chartered to Swan Hellenic by the Irish owner, STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd.

The parent company of STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd, GTLK Europe DAC, was sanctioned by the EU, US and UK back in April-August 2022 due to the designation of the giant Russian leasing company PAO GTLK, which was a parent company of GTLK Europe DAC. SH Minerva has consequently been idle at Fray Bentos, Uruguay, since April 2022. In May 2023, GTLK Europe DAC went into liquidation. Joint Liquidators were appointed by the High Court of Ireland and PAO GTLK subsequently lost control of GTLK Europe DAC and all its subsidiaries, including STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd. The Joint Liquidators who now have control of GTLK Europe DAC and its subsidiaries obtained compliance of the sale of GTLK Europe DAC’s assets (including SH Minerva) with all the applicable sanctions.

After lengthy negotiations with the Joint Liquidators, Swan Hellenic finally reacquired SH Minerva from STLC Europe Nine Leasing Ltd in accordance with all applicable sanctions on 25 July 2025 using shareholders’ funds.

SH Minerva’s return marks an exciting new chapter for Swan Hellenic, with a three-ship fleet that takes its guests to live uniquely immersive discovery experiences in the heart of remote destinations all around the world, cruising in refined elegance to “See what others don’t”.

RMC joins strategic partnership in U.S. icebreaker program

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 July 2025 30 July 2025

Bollinger Shipyards (Bollinger), Rauma Marine Constructions (Rauma), Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) and Aker Arctic (Aker) yesterday announced the formation of a strategic partnership to deliver the lowest-risk, fastest delivery solution of best-in-class Arctic Security Cutters (ASC) to the U.S. Coast Guard. This strategic partnership represents a deliberate effort to strengthen the U.S. industrial base, expand America’s shipbuilding capacity, and equip American workers with the skills to lead in a new era of strategic competition through the transfer of knowledge, technology, and design expertise needed to build the next generation of icebreakers right here in the United States.

Together, the four companies represent the world’s premier icebreaker shipbuilding companies. Bollinger is the largest privately-owned shipbuilder in the United States, is currently building the first heavy icebreaker in the United States in 50 years and has built and delivered nearly 200 high-performance vessels to the U.S. Coast Guard in a 40-year period. Rauma is Finland’s legendary ice-class shipyard.Seaspan Shipyards is the Canadian subsidiary of U.S. based Washington Companies and the leading icebreaker design and build shipyard currently delivering on the largest order book of ice capable vessels in the world. Aker Arctic, is a respected authority in icebreaking technology and design, having developed the majority of icebreaker designs currently in operation today.

Fastest path to delivery

The strategic partnership leverages the trilateral ICE Pact framework between the United States, Canada and Finland to answer President Trump’s call to rapidly grow a modernized U.S. icebreaking fleet, with delivery of the first vessel within 36 months of award, and ensures the ASC program is anchored in American shipbuilding and transitions quickly to full U.S. production, consistent with President Trump’s ‘America First’ priority.

“In line with President Trump’s directive to grow and modernize America’s icebreaking fleet, Bollinger is proud to lead this partnership with a focus on speed, quality, certainty and results,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “Speculative designs can derail programs, delay delivery and devastate shipyards. The Seaspan-Aker MPI design is the most mature, construction-ready design available, and we’re bringing proven capability, hard-earned lessons, and unmatched U.S. capacity to get it built. With Bollinger’s access to more than 4,000 skilled workers and over 30 facilities across the country, no one is better positioned to move fast and deliver the Arctic Security Cutter.”

Finnish industrial strength for Arctic operations

This strategic collaboration presents a unique opportunity to apply our proven capabilities in support of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic mission,” said Mika Nieminen, President and CEO of Rauma Shipyards. “We are fully prepared to begin construction immediately, leveraging a mature design and deep experience in building technically complex vessels for operation in severe winter conditions. With a fully operational production line and world-class facilities, we bring reliability and results – not projections. Beyond construction, Rauma provides added value through crew training, bridge simulator programs, and ice trials to support successful commissioning and elevate the technological and operational capabilities. Together with our partners, we offer a clear and executable path to strengthening America’s presence in the Arctic.”

Purpose-built design, mission-ready capability

The Seaspan-Aker Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI) design is the optimal design to meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements as it exceeds all ASC requirements and supports all eleven statutory missions. With the ability to break four feet of ice, travel 12,000 nautical miles, and operate for over 60 days, the design is purpose-built to support the evolving mission needs of the U.S. Coast Guard in the harshest conditions. Additionally, its shared multi-mission design with the Canadian Coast Guard fleet will create the largest class of icebreaking capability in the world, optimizing interoperability and maintenance support.

“We are proud to collaborate with Bollinger, Rauma and Aker Arctic to share our expertise in icebreaker design and engineering with the United States – a historically and close partner with Canada in securing the Arctic,” said John McCarthy, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards. “Together, we’ve assembled the world’s foremost experts in icebreaking construction to deliver a low-risk, mission-ready solution that fully meets the U.S. Coast Guard’s requirements. Together, through the ICE Pact, we’re strengthening Arctic security and advancing the long-term capabilities of our nations’ shipbuilding industries.”

Notably, all other proposed designs will require significant investment and corresponding ramp-up time creating a large risk for schedule, cost and delivery delay.

“We are proud to be part of this collaboration in the development of the USCG’s Arctic Security Cutter icebreakers,” said Mika Hovilainen, CEO Aker Arctic Technology Inc. “This partnership highlights our commitment to advancing maritime security and innovation in the Arctic region. The vessel we are offering has been developed for the Canadian Coast Guard and includes specialized capabilities that are essential for fulfilling the Coast Guard’s missions. Together, we will leverage our expertise to build state-of-the-art icebreakers that meet the highest standards of mission capability and reliability.”

The trilateral U.S.-Canada-Finland shipbuilding partnership is a direct embodiment of the ICE PACT initiative, reinforcing the commitment of all three nations to enhance Arctic security and shipbuilding expertise. This team stands uniquely aligned with national priorities to restore American maritime strength, not just through capability, but through speed and proven performance.

Costa follows AIDA and cancels Dubai program next winter

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 July 2025 25 July 2025

Costa Cruises announces an update on its offer for the upcoming 2025/2026 Winter season. Due to the currently fluid situation in the Middle East, which remains unpredictable for the foreseeable future, Costa wants to provide its guests with reliable clarity on their vacation plans for the upcoming winter season as early as possible.

On this direction Costa has decided not to operate the originally scheduled itineraries in the United Arab Emirates on board Costa Toscana and those from and to Dubai for the winter season 2025/26. Accordingly, the respective “positioning” cruises to Dubai in fall 2025 and vice versa in spring 2026 will not be operated.

Costa Toscana will continue its scheduled 7-day cruises in the Western Mediterranean until 13 November 2025. The 7-day cruise departing from Savona on 13 November 2025, bound for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is also confirmed. The flagship will stay in the Mediterranean, offering 7-day itineraries and longer cruises to destinations across Southern Europe and North Africa, ideal for the winter season. Full details of the new itineraries of Costa Toscana will be available shortly across all booking channels.

The winter programs of the Costa fleet feature many other options such as cruises in the Canary Islands aboard Costa Fortuna, easily reachable with the "fly&cruise" formula. In a week-long vacation, guests can visit several islands and appreciate their diverse landscapes. Moreover, Costa’s cruises in the Caribbean are perfect for a warm getaway, between white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Costa Fascinosa and Costa Pacifica, for example, will sail different week-long itineraries that can be also combined into a single vacation lasting two weeks. Also, in this case the proposed formula is the "fly&cruise" package.

All guests who have booked those cruises that will not be operated will be contacted directly to receive an alternative proposal, among the wide range of options available in Costa's fleet for a winter holiday in warmer latitudes. Costa Cruises is committed to providing solutions that meet guests' needs, ensuring an unforgettable and serene travel experience.

Villa Vie Residences to install floating platform

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 July 2025 25 July 2025

Villa Vie Residences, the pioneers in residential cruising, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with AquaBanas, the global leader in luxury inflatable platforms. In anticipation of their 3-month South Pacific journey, they will introduce the Customized Floating Oasis designed exclusively for the Villa Vie Odyssey, Villa Vie's flagship residential cruise ship.

This state-of-the-art platform will serve as a Floating Marina and Recreation Hub, allowing residents to enjoy water sports, sunbathing, social events, and ocean access like never before. Designed with both luxury and safety in mind, the custom platform enhances the at-sea lifestyle, perfectly complementing Villa Vie Residences' mission to provide a unique, global living experience.

The Oasis which can be launched from both sides of the vessel will be utilized during anchor days in tropical places like the Maldives, Seychelles, and the South Pacific where waters are crystal clear where residents can launch watercrafts for ultimate exploration. The Oasis also enhances tendering operations - particularly in remote or unique ports of call where docking infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.

"With our global itinerary, we often visit breathtaking destinations that require tendering to reach shore," said Mikael Petterson, Chairman of Villa Vie Residences. "Our residents are seeking more than just a place to live – they want experiences. This innovative addition reflects our commitment to reimagining life at sea, combining luxury, exploration, and community."

AquaBanas, known for their premium inflatable platforms used by superyachts and resorts worldwide, brings their cutting-edge design and marine engineering to this collaboration. The custom structure will feature a lounging zone, water sport launch points, and seamless integration with the Villa Vie Odyssey for effortless access and tendering operations.

"Working with Villa Vie Residences aligns perfectly with our vision of creating unforgettable aquatic experiences," said Mark Anastasia, CEO of AquaBanas. "This oasis will redefine how people enjoy the adventures and luxuries of ocean living."

The customized adventure platform is scheduled to debut in September 2025, coinciding with the Odyssey's planned visit to the South Pacific, offering residents even more reasons to embrace full-time life at sea.