Aurora Expeditions’ Newest Ship, Douglas Mawson, Successfully Completes Sea Trials

Aurora Expeditions has announced the successful completion of sea trials for its newest vessel, the Douglas Mawson, off the coast of Hainan, China, from June 26 to July 2, 2025. The ship is set for delivery in September 2025 and is the last addition to SunStone’s Infinity-class series, joining its sister ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle.

The Douglas Mawson will embark on her maiden voyage to Tasmania in December 2025 and will then follow the paths of her namesake explorer during her inaugural Antarctic season. The ship is designed to carry up to 154 passengers (130 for polar expeditions) across 86 cabins, featuring an Ulstein CX103 design and an X-BOW hull, which enhances stability in challenging sea conditions.

Equipped to navigate remote polar environments, the Douglas Mawson boasts an ice-strengthened PC6 hull and Tier III engines, ensuring safety and efficiency. During the sea trials, systems for Safe-Return-to-Port certification were rigorously evaluated under the supervision of the Nantong Maritime Safety Administration.

Onboard amenities include a lecture theatre, Citizen Science center, heated outdoor pool, sauna, gym, various dining options, and Zodiac embarkation platforms, all crafted to facilitate low-impact exploration and sustainability initiatives.

Aurora Expeditions prioritizes responsible travel, as evidenced by the vessel’s LNG-ready setup and energy-efficient technologies. The CEO, Michael Heath, emphasized the significance of these sea trials in fulfilling the expedition vessel’s potential, preparing for the arrival of expeditioners for immersive polar experiences later this year.

With the addition of the Douglas Mawson, Aurora is poised to expand its destination-focused exploration, offering voyages to Tasmania, Antarctica, sub-Antarctic islands, and beyond, while balancing rugged expedition capabilities with contemporary comfort and environmental responsibility.

For more information, visit Aurora Expeditions and Douglas Mawson.

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