What is the story about?
What's Happening?
SunStone Maritime Group A/S has announced the delivery of the Douglas Mawson, the seventh and final vessel in its first series of newbuilds, to Aurora Expeditions. The delivery took place at China Merchants Heavy Industry in Haimen, China, on September 9, 2025. Named after the Australian geologist and Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, this vessel is the third Infinity-class ship to be delivered to Aurora Expeditions, following the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. The Douglas Mawson is designed to operate in both warm and cold waters, featuring Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 certifications. It includes amenities such as a swimming pool, bar, restaurants, lounges, a boutique, gym, spa, and sauna, maintaining an exclusive atmosphere for guests. The vessel represents an international collaboration involving Norwegian naval architects, Swedish-American interior designers, Finnish interior contractors, and a Chinese shipyard.
Why It's Important?
The delivery of the Douglas Mawson marks a significant milestone for SunStone Maritime Group and the expedition cruise industry. As the final vessel in this series, it underscores the growing demand for specialized expedition cruises that can navigate diverse environments, including polar regions. This development is crucial for Aurora Expeditions, enhancing their fleet capabilities and offering more diverse travel experiences to their clientele. The collaboration between international entities in the ship's design and construction highlights the global nature of the maritime industry and the importance of cross-border partnerships in advancing technological and design innovations in shipbuilding.
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