Helsinki Shipyard shows “almost unbelievable level of resilience” in finishing Swan Hellenic’s second cruise ship, it was revealed at the ship’s naming ceremony
Helsinki shipyard chief executive Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch told delegates at the naming ceremony of Swan Hellenic’s second cruise ship SH Vega, “Operations in the yard have shown an almost unbelievable level of resilience in finishing this beautiful vessel”.
Mr Rotkirch added, “In the midst of multiple crises, the operations continued, almost without delay, with the first ship [SH Minerva] during the Covid pandemic and then finishing SH Vega following the Ukraine war, creating the turmoil of sanctions consideration among suppliers with a reduced sub-contracted work force.”
But the shipyard and crew had the “strength and will to succeed”.
Swan Hellenic chief executive Andrea Zito said, “We are proud of what everybody has done, I have a fantastic team working with me and the shipyard quality compared with other shipyards in Europe is definitely at a different level – the architects, everyone has done a fantastic job.
“Operationally, this vessel has an extremely high level of sea keeping, safety is at an extremely high standard and its sustainability and environmental protection is fantastic.”
The purpose-designed new vessel was named by Patrizia Zito née Passalacqua, wife of Mr Zito, in the presence of Helsinki Shipyard senior management, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.
The expedition cruise sector is one Helsinki Shipyard is targeting, as Mr Rotkirch said it had divided its portfolio into three segments: small and mid-sized expedition ships, ice-breaking tonnage and super yachts.
“We see ourselves as a boutique-type shipyard, capable of listening to the needs and accommodating the wishes for ships of the future. Energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and sustainable work ethics are natural to us, and we pride ourselves with the view shipbuilding is hard work but always fun as well; the Helsinki shipyard spirit.”
On its orderbook is Swan Hellenic’s third cruise ship, SH Diana, which will be delivered next year.
After the naming ceremony, Helsinki Shipyard project manager Jonas Packalén commented, “This is a proud day for us all. SH Vega is every bit as beautiful and elegant as its twin sister. We wish it and its crew fair winds and following seas, with special thanks to everyone involved in the project for their unstinting dedication.”
SH Vega, like its twin sister SH Minerva, has been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations and is self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles. Preparations have been made to implement battery technology which would allow it 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 staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Vega is operated by an onboard team of 120.
Soon after the ceremony, SH Vega set sail from Helsinki to Tromsø, Norway, for a season of maiden cruises.
