New adventures for Minerva

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SASHA GUSOV UNLESS MENTIONED OTHERWISE.

In the second edition of ShipBuilding Industry of 2021, we shared with you that the hull sections and deck modules of SH Minerva had all been completed in March, in advance of its schedule. Marking this occasion, the Swan Hellenic had released a time-lapse video of the work at Helsinki Shipyard that shows the ship assuming its graceful fnal form. The structure was completed and the cabins were already taking shape.

A lot of progress has been made in the build process of SH Minerva since then. At the end of 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that SH Minerva had left Helsinki for Argentina and was on her way to her frst cultural expedition cruise of the Antarctic, a 10-day New Year celebration of discovery. SH Minerva was delivered on 3 December 2021, following her christening on 23 November and three days of highly successful sea trials in which the next-generation polar expedition vessel performed beyond expectations in all respects, from manoeuvrability and stability to top speed and emissions. The elegant new purpose-designed ship sailed through the Kiel Canal on 6 December.

SH Minerva is the frst in a series of three stunning high ice class cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium cruise experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. SH Minerva features a 5MW dieselelectric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC5 icestrengthened hull with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 113m, the 10,500t vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet. Minerva will be followed by her sister ship SH Vega (NB517) and the slightly larger NB518, which are both already under construction at Helsinki Shipyard.

The vessels have been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations. SH Minerva is completely self-sufcient for up to 40 days or 8,000nm. Preparations have been made to implement battery technology which >>

would also make it possible to operate silently. The vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas. Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious cabins and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Minerva is operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Now in the expert hands of industry veterans Captain Tuomo Leskinen and Hotel Director Philipp Reutener, SH Minerva is set to take her frst guests on a 10-day cultural expedition cruise of the Antarctic to celebrate the New Year. There, they will explore the inspiring sights and wildlife of the peninsula and milder Shetland Islands in the company of Expedition Leader Pablo Brandeman, polar historian expert Dmitry Kiselev and renowned ornithologist Andy Bunten. Internationally acclaimed chef Jörg Lehmann will be bringing the distinctive Swan Hellenic gastronomic vision to life aboard SH Minerva, presenting varied >>

Tonnage Propulsion Length Breadth 10,600t 5MW 113m 20.2m

Draught Cruising speed Ice class Number of passenger cabins Number of crew cabins Classifcation 5.7m 14kn PC5 76 73 Lloyd’s Register

With a knack for being in the right place at the right time, London-based photographer Sasha Gusov not only captured the wild majesty of Antarctica but the emergency extraction of the Antarctic Quest 21 expedition team. Mr Gusov, famed for his portraits of stars of the stage, silver screen, music and ballet, is more often engaged in his own artistic projects today. A constant traveller, crafting haunting images of life as he goes, the second cruise of Swan Hellenic’s brand-new ship SH Minerva was a natural choice for him to explore the vast expanses of Antarctica. Although unable to resist taking colour digital shots of Minerva’s stylish elegant interiors and works of art, Sasha opted for his beloved flm camera to take atmospheric black and white photos conveying the ferce majesty of the Antarctic Peninsula. So, when Swan Hellenic came to the assistance of the Antarctic Quest 21 expedition commemorating the centenary of Shackleton’s fnal voyage, Sasha was there to testify to the prompt emergency extraction of the team, which risked being stranded on the peninsula.

Mr Gusov prefers flm for the way it makes him treasure every frame, and black and white flm in particular for its heightened textures, evocative contrasts and soul. When you explore his photography, you’ll immediately see just what he means. “I loved every minute with Swan Hellenic,” says Mr Gusov. “It was a truly in-depth experience that really opened my eyes. And what a ship – stunning! Witnessing the Antarctic Quest emergency extraction was a real privilege.”

“It was a pleasure to have Sasha aboard”, comments Hotel Director Philipp Reutener. “He was warmly appreciative of everything we have worked so hard to create, from the expert lectures to the creative interior design and inspired gourmet cuisine. To have him with us, capturing the evacuation of the Antarctic Quest team, was an unforgettable honour.”

menus of freshly cooked delicacies that include original Italian and Asian fusion dishes, created in partnership with awardwinning Consultant Chefs Andrea Ribaldone and Sang Keun Oh.

At delivery, Helsinki Shipyard Project Manager Jonas Packalén comments, “This is a proud day for us all. SH Minerva is even more beautiful and elegant than we dared hope! We wish her and her crew fair winds and following seas, with special thanks to everyone involved in the project for their unstinting dedication!” Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito adds, “I, too, would like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki for their superb work in creating this wonderful new ship. We are delighted with the quality of their work, underlined by the superb performance SH Minerva achieved in her sea trials. With Swan Hellenic now a unique presence on the waves again, we very much look forward to taking our guests to see what others don’t, exploring the Antarctic in exceptional comfort and style.”