Aurora Expeditions’ Newest Vessel, Douglas Mawson, Triumphantly Completes Sea Trials

Aurora Expeditions’ latest ship, Douglas Mawson, has successfully completed its sea trials off the coast of Hainan, China, from June 26 to July 2, 2025, confirming its readiness for delivery in September 2025.

This vessel is the final addition to SunStone’s Infinity-class series and will join its sister ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Douglas Mawson is set to embark on its maiden voyage to Tasmania in December 2025, followed by a journey retracing the routes of its namesake explorer during the first Antarctic season. The vessel’s full itinerary for the 2025–2026 season includes the Epic Antarctica crossing.

With a capacity of 154 passengers (130 for polar expeditions), Douglas Mawson features 86 staterooms and is designed with the Ulstein CX103 layout, incorporating the innovative X-BOW hull which enhances comfort in rough seas.

Equipped with an ice-strengthened PC6 hull and Tier III engines, the ship is built to navigate remote polar areas safely. During the trials, rigorous testing ensured the functionality of safety and efficiency systems — notably the Safe-Return-to-Port certification — under the supervision of the Nantong Maritime Safety Administration.

Onboard amenities include a lecture theatre, Citizen Science centre, heated outdoor pool, sauna, gym, and multiple dining options, all designed to support sustainable low-impact exploration. Aurora Expeditions emphasizes responsible travel, reflected in the ship’s LNG-ready configuration and energy-efficient systems.

CEO Michael Heath remarked on the importance of the successful sea trials in realizing the expedition vessel’s potential. Preparations are in progress to onboard expeditioners for immersive polar journeys later this year.

With the inclusion of the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions is expanding its exploration offerings to include Tasmania, Antarctic regions, sub-Antarctic islands, and beyond — all aboard a ship engineered for both rugged expedition capabilities and modern comfort, while also prioritizing environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit Aurora Expeditions and Douglas Mawson.

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