A Landmark Delivery in Polar Tourism
The global expedition cruise market has entered a new era with the official delivery of the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions’ latest small-ship cruiser. Completed on September 9, 2025, at the China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard in Haimen, the 104.4-metre vessel is set to transform access to East Antarctica and reinforce Australia’s growing role in polar tourism.
This new vessel represents not only an expansion of Aurora Expeditions’ fleet but also the completion of SunStone Maritime Group’s ambitious Infinity-class program, which has delivered seven advanced expedition ships over several years.
Completion of the Infinity-Class Program
The Douglas Mawson is the seventh and final Infinity-class vessel, bringing closure to SunStone’s multi-year initiative that combined global expertise in design, engineering, and construction. With this delivery, Aurora Expeditions now operates three Infinity-class ships, including the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, strengthening its leadership in small-ship expedition cruising.
These vessels are celebrated for blending technical innovation with passenger comfort, ensuring safe travel in some of the most challenging seas on Earth. Their deployment underscores the market’s rapid evolution as more travelers seek immersive and environmentally conscious polar experiences.
Innovative Design and Global Collaboration
The ship was designed by Norway’s Ulstein, whose signature X-Bow hull design reduces fuel consumption and enhances performance in rough waters. Interiors were crafted by Tomas Tillberg Design, while outfitting was completed by Finland’s Makinen, resulting in a vessel that balances modern comfort with rugged expedition readiness.
Built at China Merchants Heavy Industry, the Douglas Mawson reflects an international collaboration that combines European innovation with Chinese shipbuilding capabilities. The result is a purpose-built ship designed specifically for polar exploration, complete with advanced systems for safety, stability, and efficiency.
Technical Strength for Polar Service
The Douglas Mawson’s specifications highlight its readiness for the world’s most demanding environments:
- Length: 104.4 metres
- Beam: 18.4 metres
- Draft: 5.3 metres
- Passenger Capacity: 170
- Crew Capacity: 102
- Certifications: Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6
These ratings allow the vessel to safely operate in icy waters while meeting strict international environmental and safety standards.
Safety and Stability Features
Passengers aboard the Douglas Mawson can expect not only comfort but also industry-leading safety. The ship includes a Safe Return to Port system, ensuring resilience in emergencies, and virtual anchoring technology, which minimizes seabed disruption during stops. Zero-speed stabilizers reduce motion when the vessel is stationary, further enhancing onboard comfort.
The Ulstein X-Bow hull also ensures smoother navigation through polar seas, cutting fuel consumption and supporting more sustainable operations. Together, these technologies establish the Douglas Mawson as a next-generation expedition ship built for both adventure and responsibility.
Passenger Comfort and Expedition Readiness
The vessel is designed to provide an elevated travel experience without compromising on its expedition mission. Amenities include:
- Swimming pool and wellness areas
- Spa, sauna, and gym facilities
- Lounges, bars, and restaurants
- Boutique shopping onboard
In addition, the ship is fully equipped for expedition operations, with storage for small craft, research equipment, and landing gear. This allows guests to participate in landings, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration in remote destinations.
Strengthening Antarctic Tourism
One of the Douglas Mawson’s most significant contributions is its ability to expand access to East Antarctica, a region less frequented than the popular Antarctic Peninsula. With Hobart, Tasmania serving as a key departure port, the ship strengthens Australia’s status as a southern gateway to the polar regions.
The vessel’s deployment is expected to generate economic benefits for Tasmania, including growth in port services, hospitality, and tourism. At the same time, it positions Australia as a central player in polar tourism, capable of attracting both domestic and international travelers seeking authentic expedition experiences.
Sustainability and Environmental Compliance
The Douglas Mawson has been built with sustainability at its core. Its Polar Code compliance ensures operations are safe and environmentally responsible. The ship’s design reduces emissions, while its virtual anchoring system prevents seabed damage.
These innovations align with Aurora Expeditions’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring travelers can experience polar regions responsibly while protecting fragile ecosystems for future generations.
A New Chapter for Aurora Expeditions
With the delivery of the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions enters a new chapter in its history. The addition of this vessel not only expands its capacity but also reinforces its reputation for offering cutting-edge, sustainable polar travel.
As demand for expedition cruising grows worldwide, ships like the Douglas Mawson will play a critical role in shaping the future of adventure tourism. By combining advanced technology, passenger comfort, and environmental responsibility, the vessel symbolizes the next stage of polar exploration.
For SunStone Maritime Group, the Douglas Mawson also marks the successful conclusion of the Infinity-class program—a series of ships that have redefined the small-ship expedition sector.
Looking Ahead
As the Douglas Mawson prepares for its maiden voyages, the future of polar tourism looks brighter than ever. The vessel promises unforgettable journeys to the most remote corners of the planet while ensuring safe and sustainable operations.
Its arrival is not just a milestone for Aurora Expeditions—it is a moment of pride for international shipbuilding and a significant boost for Australia’s polar tourism strategy. With the Douglas Mawson leading the way, a new era of exploration and global travel has begun.
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