By
Laura Hyde |
Swan Hellenic has welcomed expedition cruise ship Minerva back to its fleet, following a period of inactivity and a lengthy legal dispute.
Minerva was delivered by Helsinki Shipyard in late 2021 and chartered to Swan Hellenic by Irish owner STLC Europe Nine Leasing, a subsidiary of GTLK Europe DAC, which was owned by Russian firm PAO GTLK. It sailed a successful maiden season in Antarctica, but was forced to halt operations in April 2022 following sanctions against PAO GTLK due to the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The ship has been laid up in Fray Bentos, Uruguay, ever since, with GTLK Europe DAC going into administration in May 2023 and liquidators selling assets. Swan Hellenic reacquired Minerva on 25 July 2025 using shareholders’ funds and the ship is now free to resume operations.
Minerva will undergo reactivation works, including maintenance and refurbishment, in the coming months, before sailing itineraries in the Antarctic from November 2025, where it will be joined by sister ships Vega and Diana. It will then embark on the cruise line’s first-ever Asia-Pacific season from March 2026. Itineraries will include visits to destinations such as the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan. Guests will have the opportunity to discover ancient rituals, historical World War Two sites and native wildlife, as well as experience snorkelling and watersports adventures, according to Swan Hellenic.
“We’re delighted to welcome back our flagship Minerva,” said Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic. “A symbol of Swan Hellenic’s rebirth, her inaugural Asia-Pacific season will take us to fly our flag across the globe, reaching every ocean and continent. It’s a moment of immense pride for us.”