Swan Hellenic has acquired the third state-of-the-art expedition cruise ship named SH Diana, from Helsinki Shipyard. With the latest acquisition the cruise line will expand its fleet with three ships of the same class in 2023. The sister ships SH Minerva and SH Vega, which have been  delivered in 2021 and 2022, are already operating in the polar regions. 

An auction of the ship became iminent because delivery to the original owner was not feasible. The reason for the problems before the takeover of the ship are the EU sanctions against Russia. The sanctions do not allow Russian owners and companies to participate in economic activities in the EU and many other countries. Swan Hellenic Cruises has now solved this problem and has also bought the third ship at an auction, so that it can be handed over as planned in March 2023.

Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic Limited, said: “We are delighted to have acquired the SH Diana, a PC6 polar class vessel with the  latest  marine technology and sustainability, ready to enter service in April as planned. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard SH Diana to experience our cultural expedition cruises in the historic regions for which she was originally conceived.”

Kim Salmi, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard added: “The shipyard is satisfied with numerous inquiries and offers received. We are also pleased to announce Swan Hellenic as the winner of the tender […] work to complete the ship can continue as planned until March.”

Swan Hellenic Cruises is an experienced cruise company that mainly operates in the Arctic and Antarctic with modern expedition cruise ships. With a length of 125 meters, a width of 23 meters and the high ice class PC6, the expedition ships can sail in the most remote regions of the world. The onboard Zodiacs allow guests to land in the polar regions. The Swan Hellenic expedition ships can accommodate 192 passengers and have 140 crew members.