Swan Hellenic, the UK based expedition cruise operator, and Helsinki Shipyard in Finland announced that the cruise company has contracted a 12,000 gross ton Vega class that is due for delivery at the end of 2022.
The now contracted vessel will have a length of 125 metres and it will be able to accommodate 192 passengers. This means it will be slightly larger than the previous two ships, which will be of 10,700 gross tons, 110 metres in length and offer 148 berths. The latest vessel will have PC6 ice class and it will have a crew of 140.
“Featuring a 4.6 megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3-megawatt max. battery package and ice-strengthened hull, the new ship will not only be able to reach the most remote and inaccessible corners of the world, but also do so in almost total silence under battery power. Causing minimal disturbance to sensitive ecosystems and wildlife, Vega 3 will thus bring its guests a uniquely immersive experience seeing what others don't,” the two companies said in a joint statement.
With the three Vega ships scheduled for delivery in November 2021, April 2022 and year-end 2022, Swan Hellenic is demonstrating solid confidence both in the strength and resilience of the high-end cruise market and its own unique vision of cultural expedition cruising.
"The new order is significant for Helsinki Shipyard,” observed CEO Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, “as it shows our customers' confidence in our operations and is a strong signal of the long-term nature of our operations".
Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito confirmed: “We see the increase in demand for experiences that are truly out of the ordinary and are confident in the bounce back of our industry.”
