Aurora Expeditions has celebrated the sea launch of its latest ship, Greg Mortimer, the first passenger expedition ship with Ulstein X-BOW technology.

Built to polar standards, the Greg Mortimer is a purpose-built ship featuring the latest in naval technology. It’s the first passenger expedition ship to use the patented Ulstein X-BOW, which allows for more gentle sea crossings, faster transit speeds, as well as lower fuel consumption and air emissions.

Greg Mortimer’s strengthened hull is designed to get through sea ice and pack ice. The ship carries ‘return to port’ technology, sonar equipment and satellite communications. It also features sea-level Zodiac and activity loading platforms, black-out blinds to reduce the risk of bird strikes, dedicated observation decks and plenty of outdoor viewing areas.

 “The culmination of months of hard work”

Robert Halfpenny, managing director of Aurora Expeditions, said: “This launch is the culmination of months of hard work from everyone involved and we’re delighted the Greg Mortimer has reached its sea testing phase ahead of schedule. Due to set sail on its maiden voyage with guests on 31 October 2019, the final stage of work includes the interior fit-out which is due for completion in the coming months.”

The co-founder of Aurora Expeditions, Greg Mortimer, was thrilled to finally meet his namesake and see for himself the ship, close to completion. He attended the official sea launch in Shanghai, China, along with guests from SunStone Ships and Aurora Expeditions.

Construction of the new ship is progressing ahead of schedule and is now entering the final construction phase. Once the interiors are complete, the ship will be loaded with all the equipment required to operate.

“To have a ship named after me is surreal”

Mortimer commented: “Since founding Aurora Expeditions over 27 years ago, we’ve always worked hard to be at the forefront of adventure voyaging and this ship is certainly that.

“To have a ship named after me is surreal, wondrous and humbling! Was it better than climbing Everest or K2? I would say about the same but just different.”