THE CHINA MERCHANTS Heavy Industry yard in Haimen last week launched Douglas Mawson, which, when delivered next year, will become the third expedition cruise ship operated by Sydney-based Aurora.
The ship was launched for SunStone Maritime Group A/S of Denmark, parent of US expedition cruise vessel tonnage provider SunStone Ships and is the seventh and final of the company’s Infinity-class vessels.
With a capacity up to 170 passengers and 102 crew, Douglas Mawson features advanced safety systems, energy-efficient operations, and eco-friendly technologies designed to minimize environmental impact.
Built with Ulstein’s revolutionary X-Bow® design, the vessel is IceClass 1A and Polar Class 6, ensuring safe and efficient operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments, SunStone says. Key features include Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning, and zero-speed stabilizers, enhancing both safety and comfort.
“The ship provides an exclusive yet spacious experience, offering amenities such as a swimming pool, bar, restaurants, lounges, a library, gym, and spa. This blend of intimate luxury and robust capability ensures immersive adventures for passengers exploring remote destinations,” the company says.
Douglas Mawson is the third, improved sistership to be operated by Aurora Expeditions, which was established in 1991 by adventurers Greg and Margaret Mortimer, with the company name taken from Australian Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson’s own ship. The first of the purpose-built trio, Greg Mortimer, was delivered in 2019 and the second, named Sylvia Earle after the US marine biologist and oceanographer, followed in 2022.
Aurora Expeditions has won multiple awards, including ‘World’s Leading Polar Operator’ and ‘World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line’. It is certified 100% carbon neutral and last year hosted the inaugural Antarctic Climate Expedition (ACE).
