Helsinki Shipyard laid the keel of the second luxury expedition cruise ship

12.2.2021

The keel of NB 517 was laid in accordance with the seafaring traditions and taking into account the current restrictions due to COVID-19. NB 517 is the second of three vessels ordered by Swan Hellenic from Helsinki Shipyard.

On front the keel laying block 302 of NB 517 and behind it SH Minerva under construction

The keel was laid with outfitted and painted block 302 that arrived at the shipyard just at the right time, during the previous weekend. In the keel laying ceremony the representatives of the client and classification society, as well the project and shipyard management were present.

The vessels being built at Helsinki shipyard represent the next generation of polar expedition vessels, and once delivered they will sail worldwide with a strong focus on high-latitude areas.

From left: Project Manager Jonas Packalén, Lloyd´s Register representative Jukka Hujanen, Chairman of the Board of Helsinki Shipyard Victor Olersky

The two first 113-meters long vessels ordered from the shipyard will carry 152 passengers and 120 crew members after their delivery. The vessels will feature a 4,6, MW diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a 3-megawatt max. battery package. Gross tonnage of the vessels is 10 500 ton, and they have PC5 ice-strengthened hull.

The first vessel of these series will be delivered during year 2021 and the one that celebrated its keel laying now will be handed in the first months of year 2022. The third vessel NB 518, being a bit bigger than her sisters, will be delivered to the client as well in year 2022, at the end of the year.

“Newbuildings NB 516 and NB 517 are designed for extreme weather conditions, from one side for polar areas where they can meet quite heavy ice conditions, and from other side for tropical regions. And they are naturally designed to respect the sensitive ecosystems of the regions where they’re going to sail.”, commented the Project Manager of NB 516-517 Jonas Packalén

More information:

Esko Karvonen, CEO, Helsinki Shipyard Oy, tel. 358 10 622 2600

About Helsinki Shipyard Inc.

Helsinki Shipyard Oy is located in the capital of Finland and specializes in shipbuilding technology and building of special vessels for demanding conditions and routes. The shipyard has a long tradition and unmatched expertise in designing and building of icebreakers and other high ice-class vessels for operations in cold environment. In addition to the arctic know-how, our specialization covers also passenger ferries and cruise ships.

The shipyard is renowned as a pioneer in Finnish shipbuilding, a substantial employer and part of the history and landscape of the City of Helsinki.